Patrick Dorgu has been left out of Lecce's squad to face Parma in Serie A as Manchester United push to get a deal done before the transfer window shuts.
Manager Marco Giampaolo had indicated earlier in the week that the Danish international would travel for the game. However, when Lecce announced their squad on Friday, Dorgu was nowhere to be seen.
Dorgu, 20, is expected to head to England over the weekend ahead of a move to Old Trafford. He is due to fetch a fee in the region of £30m, making him Ruben Amorim's first signing since taking over as United's head coach.
The move won't come in time for United's game against Crystal Palace on Sunday, though, A medical for the youngster has been pushed back, but the Premier League club still have time to get the deal done.
“As of today, he’s a Lecce player, so he is called up and will travel for the game,” Giampaolo said in his pre-match press conference. “I’ve made assessments on him, so I’ll make the most logical decision because Lecce comes before everything else.”
The Parma match will be the first Dorgu has missed since September, when he was suspended for a goalless draw with Torino. Giampaolo's team go into this weekend's game sitting just inside the bottom three on goal difference, so a result against Parma - who sit two spots above them - would be crucial.
Full-back Danilo Veiga has been signed as a potential replacement for Dorgu, and the former Estrela da Amadora full-back is in the squad. Centre-back Tiago Gabriel is also included after joining from the same Portuguese club
United have remained in Romania overnight after beating FCSB in the Europa League on Thursday, with Amorim's squad due back in England late on Friday as work continues on the Dorgu deal behind the scenes. Stand-in left wing-back Diogo Dalot scored in Bucharest, as did Kobbie Mainoo, and the head coach praised both players when speaking to the media.
“Diogo has already had some chances in different games," Amorim said. "Kobbie Mainoo played in a different position, with more freedom, more near the box. He’s so technical, he can change the game there. So, I think it’s a good position for him, we will see.
"But I’m happy to see Kobbie enjoy the game more. Sometimes, he’s worrying about the recovery [runs], trying to defend and I know that he’s trying. Today, I felt Kobbie enjoyed the game more and I am happy for that.”
Beyiokubiodun
1
Buy and stop story’s please
Pass2Pogba
0
Man Utd, you need Viktor Gyokeres too. Hojlund is not a striker to give you even 10 goals in a season.
even your love Gyokeres won't score with the lack of creativity in the squad.
bikbopruy
0
Jih
cakbekmnpt
4
Man Utd, you need Viktor Gyokeres too. Hojlund is not a striker to give you even 10 goals in a season.
roaacdlu
0
I though they can't but without selling
muhaeilmrt
2
Ruben is the best
Tutdkors
2
i day hear oooooooooooo
Kiwacikpt
5
stupid headline
Juhabiopru
1
congratuletoin man united