Revealed: Man United’s Carlos Baleba alternative has an ARSENAL tattoo on his arm and grew up idiolising former Gunners star

A transfer target for Manchester United could find himself in an awkward situation should the Red Devils pursue a move for the star this summer.

Sporting captain Morten Hjulmand has reportedly been identified as a potential alternative to Brighton‘s Carlos Baleba, who United decided not to bid for in this transfer window amid concerns over his £120million price tag.

Hjulmand has been on the club’s radar and Ruben Amorim has a good relationship with the Denmark international as a result of their time together with the Portuguese side.

But the 26-year-old may need time to win over United’s fans as he grew up as an avid Arsenal fan and has the Gunners’ club crest tattooed on his upper left arm.

Speaking to Portuguese outlet Record last year, Hjulmand, who idolised Patrick Vieira as a child, revealed his devotion for Arsenal had been passed down from his father.

‘My dad supported Arsenal and we watched games together when we were younger,’ he said.

There is currently no suggestion United will submit an offer for Hjlumand before the window closes on September 1.

He will also be difficult to acquire this summer thanks to a combination of his expiring release clause and the Portuguese champions’ unwillingness to sell another first team star in the window.

According to Record, the £68m (€80m) release clause in the midfielder’s contract expired on June 15 and Sporting, whose £64m sale of star striker Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal was fraught, have decided to close the door on any further exits.

United have spent more than £200m on a new frontline, signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, but are thought to be keen on strengthening the midfield.

Baleba had been identified as their No 1 target, with the 21-year-old highly admired at Old Trafford, along with Adam Wharton at Crystal Palace.

United began talks over Baleba but failed to make progress with any deal and last week abandoned their pursuit of the Cameroonian.