Manchester United have agreed preliminary personal terms with Rasmus Hojlund and have spoken to Atalanta over a deal, although there is a gap in their valuations of the striker.
A front-man is United’s key focus after boosting their midfield with Mason Mount and the impending arrival of goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Hojlund is the priority target but other options are under consideration — including Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani, with whom United are holding parallel discussions.
Hojlund has indicated to Atalanta that he wants to leave, with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain also in contention for his signature.
Atalanta previously placed a €100m (£85.5m, $112m) asking price on the 20-year-old, while recent reports have suggested they want €70million (£60m, $78.7m) plus €10m in add-ons. However, interested parties will be hopeful of negotiating a lower price with the Italian club.
The need to comply with financial fair play is expected to impact on United’s pursuit and they will likely need to raise funds from sales before completing another major acquisition.
Atalanta previously rebuffed United’s offer of money plus players for Hojlund, the Bergamo side insisting on a straight cash arrangement.
Conversations over Hojlund have been happening at the same time as negotiations for Onana as United try to stay within their summer budget, which is around £100milion ($131m). United are set to sign Onana from Inter Milan, having agreed a fee and personal terms.
Hojlund only joined Atalanta last summer, moving from Austrian side Sturm Graz. He registered eight goals and two assists in 31 Serie A games.
The Denmark international also scored five goals in two games during Euro 2024 qualifying in March, including a hat-trick against Finland.
GO DEEPER
50 to watch - Hojlund: Atalanta’s striker is on the rise - just don’t compare him to Haaland
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‘His rise could hardly come at a better time’
Mark Carey has looked at Hojlund and why the young striker has been in demand. Comparisons toDusan Vlahovic and Erling Haaland are touched upon, though the striker is keen to play them down. There is also a closer look at his shot quality and how he compares to other under-23 players across Europe… you can read the full piece here.
“While the typical modern-day forward has experienced a bit of a makeover in recent years towards a more cunning, fluid false-nine profile, Hojlund is more of a throwback — with his hurried, tenacious, style of play often looking like he’s playing on fast-forward.
“The blistering speed he possesses is a huge advantage when playing in a coutner-attacking side.
“With many elite clubs looking for a long-term fix to their attacking line, his rise to prominence could hardly come at a better time.”
(Photo: LISELOTTE SABROE/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images)
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