Man Utd offer highly-rated youngster to sign Christian Eriksen's 'close friend' in swap deal

Manchester United have reportedly offered one of their own young talents in an attempt to sign a 'close friend' of midfielder Christian Eriksen.

United have had their struggles in the centre of midfield this season, with injuries and poor performances leaving questions for Erik ten Hag to answer.

The Dutchman has seemingly had enough of his current crop of midfielders and is willing to offload a £9m youngster in a bid to improve his options.

The Sun claim United have offered winger Facundo Pellistri in exchange for Sporting Lisbon defensive midfielder Morten Hjulmand.

Hjumland has been a key man for Ruben Amorim's side this season, missing just one match since joining the club for £15m from Lecce in the summer.

Sporting are believed to have rejected this proposal as they insist the only way Hjulmand leaves the club is through his £69m release clause.

Pellistri may seem an odd choice to offload, with the Uruguayan showing promising signs in his limited playing opportunities since joining the club for £9m in 2020.

However, the 22-year-old - who made his World Cup debut in 2022 before he first stepped foot on the pitch as a senior United player - may be keen to leave Old Trafford for more minutes elsewhere.

Morten Hjulmand playing for Denmark

It is no secret that Ten Hag is after a defensive midfielder, as Sofyan Amrabat doesn't appear to have done enough to earn a permanent switch to Old Trafford.

Hjumland has been monitored closely by United this season, with scouts attending Sporting matches at least six times already to learn more about their potential signing.

Hjumland is a Denmark international, and Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen could be keen to play alongside their compatriot at Old Trafford, with the latter reportedly a 'close friend' of the defensive midfielder.

Eriksen is understood to be a mentor-like figure for the 24-year-old when on international duty.

This could turn out to be a major bonus for Ten Hag as adapting to life at United has often proved difficult for players who have moved from abroad.