Manchester United are weighing up whether to exercise their buy-back clause for Alvaro Fernandez at Benfica if they can’t agree a fee for Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu.

United had an offer of £16.8million plus £4.2m in add-ons rejected by Lecce last week and proposed £25.2m in further informal discussions, but have still to reach agreement.

They have a £15m buy-back option on Alvaro that is active until January 2026 and sent staff to watch him once again on Saturday night as Benfica played at Casa Pia.

The full back made his 18th appearance for the Portuguese side in their 3-1 defeat and has also featured in all seven of their Champions League games.

Dorgu remains a possibility but Alvaro, 21, who has been one of Benfica’s best players this season, represents good value.

The Spaniard joined United in September 2020 from Real Madrid, signing a four-year deal and went on to enjoy loan spells at the likes of Preston and Benfica.

He left to join the Liga Portugal side permanently after they activated a £5m buy option in his loan deal last summer.

Speaking last November, Alvaro revealed that a move back to United is not on his radar, and that he is fully focused on his goals with Benfica and the Spanish national team.

‘I have people close to me and they are the ones who look at it more,’ he told Marca.

‘To be honest, I don’t pay much attention to it. I’m focused on what I have to do because I have a game every three days.

‘It’s always nice to have teams call you and everyone wants to grow, but I’m doing very well here.

‘United have a signed purchase option, but I’m very happy here. I have a five-year contract with Benfica.

‘I want to win titles and continue to grow personally, as I am still only 21 years old. I want to win, whether it is with Spain or with Benfica, to continue to grow.’

United are looking to build their squad under new manager Ruben Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag last last year in a bid to turn around the Red Devils’ fortunes.

Since taking charge, the Portuguese has implemented a back-three system that has relied somewhat on the attacking play of the wing backs, though, in terms of players to play that position, options have been thin.

Luke Shaw has been injured but is expected to return next month while Tyrell Malacia has been told he can leave on loan. Como made an enquiry for the Dutchman but have since switched to other targets.

PSG’s Nuno Mendes was first choice for left wing-back, but he and second option Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez were too expensive for United’s budget, hence Dorgu being pursued.

He remains an active target but United are determined not to overpay.

On that side, Noussair Mazraoui has also played the role on occasion, though has seemed more comfortable as part of the back three.

Amad Diallo is another player who has played wing back, but has excelled in a more attacking role, which has included a hat-trick against Southampton last week.

United are therefore keen to sign more natural players to fill the role, with Dorgu, 28, who is also a full Denmark international, top of the list, and Alvaro as a back-up option in the event they are unable to sign the Lecce man.