Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani has revealed that he turned down an offer from English Premier League giants Manchester United for their versatile young talent, Patrick Dorgu.
The Red Devils have set their sights on Dorgu as they aim to strengthen their squad with an attack-minded left-back for head coach Ruben Amorim.
United held discussions with Lecce on Tuesday in an attempt to finalize a deal but the English side were unable to convince their Italian counterparts to part ways with their star defender.
Man United reportedly proposed an initial offer of £25.4m plus £4.2m in performance-related bonuses to sign Dorgu this month. However, Lecce are holding out for a guaranteed fee closer to £33.8m to part ways with the Denmark international.
Revealing details of the meeting, Sticchi Damiani told Sky Sports Italy; “The meeting went well, it was a cordial meeting.
“For us it is a satisfaction to sit at the table with Manchester United and talk about a player who comes from our Primavera. It means that it is a remarkable growth path for the club and we are very happy with it.
“We have explained to Manchester that our will at the moment is to try to keep our squad unchanged, keeping all the big names, especially Dorgu.
“We have tried to make them understand that for us it is an important time in the story of the season. We could achieve the third historic survival [from relegation].
“Although we are flattered by Manchester’s offer, for us the priority is the sporting result, which is fundamental.”
United are not the only team interested in Dorgu. Serie A leaders Napoli are also seriously courting the 20-year-old and they are reportedly willing to offer a fee closer to Lecce’s demands.
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