Manchester United told they must activate €80m release clause to sign 'untouchable' midfielder: Reports

Manchester United reportedly must trigger Morten Hjulmand's €80 million release clause to sign the Sporting CP midfielder. The Red Devils have the Dane on their list of midfield targets this summer.

Manchester Evening News cite reports from Portugal that claim Sporting aren't willing to negotiate a fee lower than his release clause. Ruben Amorim views Hjulmand, 25, as one of few untouchable players at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.

Hjulmand has only been with the Liga Portugal giants for a year after arriving from Serie A side Leece last summer. He cost Sporting €19.5 million and impressed last season with four goals and as many assists in 49 games across competitions.

Manchester United are looking for a new midfielder, with PSG's Manuel Ugarte also under consideration. The club's new leaders, INEOS, are put off by the Parisians' £59 million (€70 million) valuation of the Uruguayan. They will clearly have to fork out big money for a new midfield signing if it's either of the two.

Hjulmand's €80 million (£67.3 million) release clause could be problematic given United are looking to strengthen in several positions. Ten Hag reportedly wants another central defender following Leny Yoro's arrival, a new central midfielder, and a new right-back.

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"He does not hold back" - Christian Eriksen spoke highly of Manchester United target Morten Hjulmand

Hjulmand spent the first half of the summer at Euro 2024 with Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen. The duo were part of a Denmark side that were knocked out in the last 16 after suffering a 2-0 loss to hosts Germany.

Eriksen had lavished praise on Hjulmand's rise at international level and his mentality. The veteran midfielder said (via Tribal Football):

"He has been with us a few times, and each time he has taken some steps - also in terms of the club. You can see that he is gaining more and more confidence and he does not hold back. He performs when he gets the chance in a match, but also in training. It's really cool that he comes in and shows himself."

Hjulmand has earned 10 caps for Denmark, scoring one goal and providing an assist. His goal was an audacious strike to equalize in a 1-1 draw against England during the group stages at Euro 2024.

The Sporting man is an aggressive defensive midfielder who is accomplished with the ball at his feet. He reads the game well and has a knack for attempting long-range efforts.

Hjulmand could replace Eriksen at Manchester United this summer, with doubts growing over the latter's future. Ajax are reportedly interested in re-signing him on loan, but the Red Devils would prefer to sell.