Lecce have included left-back Patrick Dorgu in their matchday squad for Friday’s crucial clash with Parma, as the Denmark international awaits clearance to fly to Manchester for a medical with Manchester United.
United manager Ruben Amorim has been pushing for a new left-back throughout the month, and earlier this week, United reached an agreement with Lecce for Dorgu worth €35m (£29.3m). The 20-year-old was originally set to travel to Manchester on Thursday for his medical, but those plans were delayed until the weekend, just days before the transfer window closes.
The delay has raised concerns over the fitness of their potential new signing, especially after Dorgu was called up to Lecce’s squad for Friday’s relegation battle with Parma. Lecce, who have dropped into the Serie A relegation zone, are level on points with Parma, who sit just two places above them, making Friday’s match vital for their survival hopes.
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“As of today, he’s a Lecce player, so he is called up and will travel for the game,” Lecce head coach Marco Giampaolo said. “I’ve made assessments on him, and I’ll make the most logical decision because Lecce comes before everything else.”
Sky Sports reports that United were informed Dorgu would not be cleared to leave Lecce until after Friday’s game, which is why his medical was rescheduled for the weekend.
Dorgu’s potential arrival could pave the way for the departure of Dutch international Tyrell Malacia. Early reports have linked Malacia with a move to Celtic as an alternative to Kieran Tierney, who is expected to remain at Arsenal. Record has also suggested Benfica could be interested in the left-back.