Chelsea and Man Utd battle for Denmark midfielder

Sporting Lisbon defensive midfielder Morten Hjulmand is wanted by both Chelsea and Man Utd ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 league season, as the 26-year-old Denmark international has reportedly asked his club for a transfer to England. The defensive midfielder has caught the eye in Portugal since arriving from Italian club Lecce in 2023, and Man Utd are believed to be in pole position to sign the player.

Chelsea are also known to be interested in the former Admira Wacker star, despite United's leading position in the race for the midfielder, capped 19 times by his country.

Hjulmand helped Lecce to the Serie B title in 2022, and has won consecutive league titles in Portugal since his arrival at the club, as well as being named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year in both seasons.

It is understood that Sporting will accept a fee of around 40 million euros for Hjulmand, but due to the ongoing uncertainty around a transfer away for Viktor Gyokeres, negotiations with any club for the Danish star are on hold. 

Man Utd are seeking a new defensive midfielder ahead of the season, but Chelsea are currently looking for midfield back up and are unlikely to be able to offer a lucrative package that guarantees regular first-team football.