Ruben Amorim is plotting a move for two players from his former club after taking charge of AC Milan. The ex-Manchester United boss has his sights set on Francisco Trincao and Morten Hjulmand of Sporting CP, with the Italian media describing the pair as "two of Amorim's favourites."
Amorim's Return to Management
The 41-year-old has been handed a route back into management five months after being dismissed by United. The Old Trafford hierarchy showed Amorim the door following a 1-1 draw at Leeds, with Sky Sports News reporting that his emotional and erratic conduct played a significant role in his departure.
Now placed in the dugout in Italy, he is already pursuing transfers for Trincao and Hjulmand. It won't be plain sailing for the AC Milan boss, however, as both players are attracting considerable interest this summer.
Competition for Signatures
Several Premier League clubs are keen on the Portugal international, while Hjulmand is also on Atletico Madrid's radar. Trincao carries a release clause of around £51million (€60m) and the Sporting captain's buyout fee stands at a hefty £69m (€80m).
Hjulmand, though, has an arrangement with Sporting to depart for approximately £35m (€40m) - meaning securing both would set AC Milan back around £86m altogether. Amorim holds a slight advantage over rival suitors for Trincao and Hjulmand, having previously managed both players during his time in the Portuguese top flight.
Player Profiles
The Sporting captain impressed during his breakthrough spell at Lecce in Italy, spending just a single season under Amorim. He netted four goals and contributed four assists in the manager's final complete campaign in Portugal, claiming the league title in the process.
Trincao appeals to Amorim owing to his versatility across the attacking line behind the striker, having notched 47 goals and laid on 51 assists in 208 appearances for Sporting. The 26-year-old is also attracting attention from Liverpool, according to Record, with further reports linking Arsenal and Chelsea to the forward.
United Interest
Correio da Manha reports that United are also in contention for Hjulmand alongside AC Milan and Arsenal, with Michael Carrick's side said to be leading the chase. This would see Amorim pitted against his former club in the battle for the midfielder's signature.
Yet the 41-year-old appears more than ready for the challenge, having openly declared his enthusiasm for the role in Italy. Amorim said: "There are ambitions that stay with you throughout your career, and coaching AC Milan has always been one of mine. I know exactly what this club means: history, prestige and an extraordinary fanbase around the world. It is a challenge I embrace with pride and enthusiasm."
