'We made it clear' - Lecce president outlines stance on Manchester United target Patrick Dorgu
Italian club Lecce want to keep Manchester United transfer target Patrick Dorgu this month.
The Manchester Evening News confirmed on Monday that talks between United and Lecce were ongoing over a potential move for the left wing-back but nothing had been finalised.
Dorgu is naturally left-sided but can also play on the right. Ruben Amorim's system heavily relies on wing-backs, but Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have predominantly operated in those positions since his appointment from Sporting Lisbon and neither have looked a natural fit.
Luke Shaw has been unavailable for most of the season due to injury and Tyrell Malacia is set to leave after recovering from a serious injury, which means a new left-back will be required.
Dorgu has emerged as a target in the January transfer window, but Lecce are thought to be holding out for a bid in the region of €40million (£33.8m) because their preference is to keep him.
Lecce president Sticchi Damiani spoke to Sky Italia this week and said: "The meeting was cordial and went well. For us, sitting down at the table with Manchester United to talk about a player who comes from our Primavera is a satisfaction, it means that the club's growth path is notable.
"We explained to them that our desire at the moment is to keep the team unchanged, keeping all the big names, Dorgu in particular. We made it clear that for us this year is an important appointment with history, we could achieve the third historic salvation.
"Although we are flattered by their offer, the priority for us is the sporting result."
Dorgu has made 22 appearances for Lecce this season and has contributed three goals.
