Manchester United's pursuit of Yulmand may require more than half a billion, as the release clause has expired! Ganacho's selling price becomes crucial.

Manchester United has delayed their plan to acquire Carlos Baleba by one year, positioning Sporting CP's 26-year-old captain Morten Yulmand as a favored replacement. The Danish midfielder was nearly transferred to Juventus this summer; however, his transfer fee could now be a barrier for interested clubs.

Italian transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano said, "Amorim has consistently valued him, and Yulmand is keen on a move to Manchester United."

However, according to Portuguese media, Sporting CP does not intend to sell any key players during this summer's transfer window. It is reported that Yulmand's €80 million (£68 million) release clause was only valid until June 15 this year, meaning it has now expired. Currently, the midfielder has no fixed price and Sporting CP can set any asking price. Yulmand’s contract runs until 2028, and the club feels no pressure to sell.

British media rumors suggest Yulmand could be obtained for just £50 million, but that is likely wishful thinking. As the summer window deadline approaches, prices for players clubs are reluctant to sell will only rise, since they have limited time to find and sign replacements.

Sporting CP’s coach Rui Borges has issued a warning to interested clubs. Before the first round of the Primeira Liga, he said in a press conference, "They know the club’s plans regarding potential departures. Players have contract clauses, and anyone wanting to sign them must activate those clauses, which is only natural."

If the club does not receive a satisfactory offer, Sporting CP will keep Yulmand until the end of the season. The Primeira Liga champions maintain a firm stance, as demonstrated by the transfer process of Zequiel Reis. Any interested buyer must present an attractive offer to convince the club to part with this influential midfielder. Manchester United’s offer of only £34 million falls far short.

However, if Manchester United can quickly sell academy graduate Alejandro Ganacho, then signing Yulmand or another new midfielder remains possible, since the 21-year-old Argentine winger could generate significant net income. It is rumored that if Chelsea offloads Nkunku, they could sign both Ganacho and Xavi Simons simultaneously.

Romano revealed that "Little Joe’s" transfer to Chelsea is progressing much further than people expect. "When Maresca said Chelsea’s left side only has Gittens and George, he was hinting at bringing in Ganacho," Romano said. "Behind the scenes, this deal is far more complex than it appears. They are working hard to reach an agreement. I fully expect the transfer to succeed."

Yulmand joined Sporting CP from Lecce in August 2023 for £15.8 million, with Amorim as the coach who brought him in. Since joining, Yulmand has been consistent, winning the league title in his first season and successfully defending it last season. He has also been appointed team captain.

As Romano mentioned, after Amorim took charge at Manchester United, Yulmand hinted at his willingness to work with him again.

"Of course, Ruben (Amorim) was one of the reasons I chose to join Sporting CP," Yulmand said. "When you work with Ruben, you see a clear vision. This was important when I joined Sporting — understanding how he plays. The way he manages the team on and off the pitch is something I’ve never seen before in my career. I believe Manchester United now has a good coach."

However, Yulmand is definitely not a "Red Devil fan"; in fact, the team he supports might be Manchester United’s rival, as he has an Arsenal emblem tattooed on his arm!