Manchester City are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand, according to reports in Portugal.

Tabloid Record names Pep Guardiola’s side as one of the “sharks” circling the Danish international ahead of the January transfer window.

However, Sporting are not expected to let Hjulmand leave without a fight. They believe they have a gentleman’s agreement, which means he won’t press for a transfer before the end of the campaign.

Consequently, Record claim that any bid below the 26-year-old’s €80m (£70m) release clause is likely to be rejected.

There will be competition for Hjulmand

Manchester United are long-term admirers of the midfielder, with head coach Ruben Amorim having worked with him when he was Sporting head coach at the start of last season.

Tottenham are also said to be in the mix, although they may find their attempts to sign Hjulmand in the New Year thwarted, just like City.

Sporting are currently three points behind league leaders Porto, and they are not keen on losing their captain midway through the campaign as they look to retain the title.

Man City could be seeking a replacement for Rodri

There are increasing concerns about the fitness of the club’s Ballon d’Or Winner. Speaking ahead of City’s Carabao Cup tie against Swansea City, Guardiola confirmed that the Spaniard is still on the treatment table:

“Rodri still is not [available]. He is getting better, training with us. No [I don’t have an idea on when he will be available]. Hopefully soon, but not yet.”

The 29-year-old has been plagued with injuries since returning from an ACL, so a move for Hjulmand could be planned to take some of the pressure off him. Whether the Cityzens are willing to match Sporting’s demands, though, is another matter.

Read more about the Man City First Team Squad for 2025/26 here