Man Utd offer Facundo Pellistri in swap transfer for Christian Eriksen’s close friend with £69m release clause

MANCHESTER UNITED have offered Facundo Pellistri in a swap deal for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand.

But the bid has been rejected by the Portuguese club as they wait on the Red Devils to trigger his £69million release clause.

GettyMorten Hjulmand is being closely monitored by Manchester United[/caption]

AFPHjulmand, left, is close friends with Manchester United man Christian Eriksen, right[/caption]

Man Utd have been to watch defensive midfielder Hjulmand at least six times already this season.

Old Trafford scouts have seen him play in both the Primeira Liga and Europa League.

Erik ten Hag‘s men also have the additional lure of Christian Eriksen who is Hjulmand’s close friend.

Eriksen is understood to be a mentor to the 24-year-old when they play together for Denmark.

And Rasmus Hojlund is another Danish international at Man Utd.

But the offer of Uruguayan international Pellistri – who has featured nine times in the league this season – is not being entertained by Sporting.

Hjulmand arrived at Sporting from Lecce for around £15m.

He has featured in all but one of the Portuguese side’s 24 games since joining the club.

GettyFacundo Pellistri has been offered as part of a swap deal for Hjulmand[/caption]

Pellistri has struggled to make an impact for Man Utd so far this season

And he has contributed one goal and two assists in all competitions.

It is not the first time Hjulmand has been linked with a move to the Premier League.

While at Lecce, the midfielder was mooted as a potential target for Southampton.

But Man Utd will be a more attractive proposition for the Sporting man as Ten Hag looks to bolster his midfield options.

Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat have struggled since arriving in the summer.

And Casemiro also struggled at the start of the season before suffering an injury.

Man Utd are languishing in eighth in the Premier League table, nine points adrift of the top four.

And they are heading into a tough run of fixtures against Tottenham, Wolves, West Ham and Aston Villa.