Sporting captain Hjulmand gives green light to Atlético move – but clubs far apart on fee

Morten Hjulmand, the Danish holding midfielder and captain of Sporting Lisbon, is pushing for a summer exit and has already agreed personal terms with Atlético Madrid. The 27-year-old, one of the most valuable players in the Portuguese league, has told his agents to advance talks with the Spanish side. The player is keen on the move and has approved the switch to the Metropolitano. But the two clubs are still locked in negotiations over the transfer fee. Sporting want €60 million for the two-year contract holder, while Atlético have so far only offered €45 million including bonuses. Several rounds of talks have taken place in recent days, but a breakthrough has yet to come. Hjulmand’s stats from last season read three goals and six assists in 45 appearances across all competitions.