Manchester United have made preliminary personal arrangements with Rasmus Hojlund and are in talks about a deal with Atalanta, despite a gap in the striker’s rating.
United’s main focus is on a frontman, having bolstered the midfield with Mason Mount and goalkeeper Andre Onana set to join soon.
Hojlund is the primary target but other options are being considered – including Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani, with whom United are in parallel talks.
Hojlund has hinted to Atalanta that he wants to leave, with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain also vying for his signing.
Atalanta had previously asked for a price of €100m (£85.5m, US$112m) for the 20-year-old, while recent reports suggest they are asking €70m (£60m, US$78.7m). -dollars) plus 10 million euros surcharge. Interested parties, however, hope to be able to negotiate a lower price with the Italian club.
The need to uphold financial fair play is expected to have implications for United’s pursuit and they will likely need to raise funds from sales before they can complete another major acquisition.
Atalanta had previously rejected United’s offer to pay money and players for Hojlund as the Bergamo side insisted on a cash only deal.
Talks over Hojlund have coincided with negotiations over Onana as United look to stay within their summer budget, which stands at around £100m ($131m). United will sign Onana from Inter Milan after agreeing a transfer fee and personal terms.
Hojlund only joined Atalanta last summer, moving from Austrian club Sturm Graz. In 31 Serie A games, he recorded eight goals and two assists.
The Denmark international also scored five goals in two games in March’s Euro 2024 qualifier, including a hat-trick against Finland.
GO DEEPER
50 in sight – Hojlund: Atalanta’s forward is on the rise – just don’t compare him to Haaland
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Mark Carey takes a look at Hojlund and explains why the young striker is in demand. Comparisons to Dusan Vlahovic and Erling Haaland are touched upon, although the striker is keen to downplay them. There’s also a closer look at his batting quality and how he compares to other U23 players across Europe. You can read the full article here.
“While the typical modern forward has seen some transformation towards a more refined, fluid false-nine profile in recent years, Hojlund is more of a step backwards – with his rushed, persistent style of play it often looks like he’s playing. ‘ on fast forward.
“The blistering speed he possesses is a huge advantage when playing on an opposing offensive team.
“With many elite clubs looking for a long-term solution to their scrimmage, his rise to prominence could hardly come at a better time.”
(Photo: LISELOTTE SABROE/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images)