Manchester United are reportedly giving serious consideration to re-signing Alvaro Fernandez from Benfica in the latter stages of the January transfer window, as Lecce battle to keep hold of Patrick Dorgu.
The Red Devils are determined to sign a new left-sided defender before the end of the winter market due to their ongoing issues in that area of the field, with Luke Shaw only making three appearances this season due to injury.
Tyrell Malacia has battled his way back from a long-term knee problem, but his future at the club is unclear, while Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui continue to look unconvincing in that area of the field.
Man United have allegedly had two offers for Dorgu turned down by Lecce - the latest of those being £28m - and the club are now considering their next course of action.
"Top European clubs want him so it's normal to be affected at some point... but he's very mature and serious guy. I don't think the transfer news is going to create any issues, this week he's been working very well," Lecce manager Marco Giampaolo told reporters.
Lecce are believed to want in the region of £34m for Dorgu and are in a strong position when it comes to his future, with the Denmark international's contract due to run until June 2029.
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Man United 'could re-sign Fernandez from Benfica'
According to the Daily Mail, if a deal for Dorgu cannot be agreed, then the Red Devils are likely to exercise their buy-back option for Fernandez.
The 21-year-old made the move to Benfica in January 2024, and he has been in impressive form for the Portuguese giants, making 47 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and registering five assists in the process.
This season, the Spaniard has three goals and four assists in 31 appearances, and Benfica will be desperate to keep hold of the full-back, but they could be powerless when it comes to a departure late in the window.
Man United have a £15m buy-back option on Fernandez which is active until January 2026, and it is understood that the Red Devils have recently sent staff to Portugal to monitor his performances.
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Man United have a £15m buy-back option on Fernandez
"I have people close to me and they are the ones who look at it more," Fernandez told Marca towards the end of last year when questioned on a possible return to Old Trafford.
"To be honest, I don't pay much attention to it. I'm focused on what I have to do because I have a game every three days. It's always nice to have teams call you and everyone wants to grow, but I'm doing very well here.
"United have a signed purchase option, but I'm very happy here. I have a five-year contract with Benfica. I want to win titles and continue to grow personally, as I am still only 21 years old. I want to win, whether it is with Spain or with Benfica, to continue to grow."
Fernandez initially arrived at Man United from Real Madrid in 2020, but he did not make a single first-team appearance for the Red Devils, instead spending time out on loan with Preston North End and Granada before a loan spell with Benfica led to a permanent transfer.
Matt Law
