Manchester United have agreed a provisional personal terms with Rasmus Hojlund and are in talks with Atalanta about signing a contract, but there is a gap in the assessment of the striker.
United have strengthened their midfield at Mason Mount and the front man is a key focus with the imminent arrival of goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Hojlund is the preferred target, but other options are being explored, including Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo-Muani, with whom United are in parallel negotiations.
Hojlund has indicated his intention to leave Atalanta and Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are also in contention for him.
Atalanta had previously offered the 20-year-old a €100m (£85.5m, $112m) offer, with recent reports suggesting a €70m (£60m, $78.7m) plus. It is suggested that they want an additional fee of 10 million euros. However, those involved will be hoping for price cut negotiations with Italian clubs.
The need to comply with Financial Fair Play is expected to affect United’s pursuit, which will need to be financed in a sale before completing any further major acquisitions.
Atalanta have previously rejected United’s offer of money and a player to sign Hoylund, but Bergamo insisted on a direct cash deal.
Talks for Onana have been accompanied by talks about Hoylund as United try to stay within their summer budget of around £100m ($131m). United are set to sign Onana from Inter Milan after agreeing a transfer fee and personal terms.
Hojlund joined Atalanta from Austrian side Sturm Graz last summer. He scored eight goals and provided two assists in 31 appearances in Serie A.
The Danish international scored five goals in two games, including a hat-trick against Finland in March’s Euro 2024 qualifier.
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Mark Carey takes a look at Hodjland and why the young striker is in demand. He’s also been mentioned in comparisons to Dusan Vlahovic and Erling Haaland, but the striker is keen to downplay them. We also detail the quality of his shots and how he compares to other U23 players across Europe…you can read the full story here.
“While the quintessential modern-day forward has undergone a slight makeover in recent years towards a more cunning and fluid False Nine profile, Hodjland is more of a throwback, with his hasty and tenacious The style of play often looks like he’s playing ‘in fast forward’.
“His incredible speed gives him a huge advantage when playing on the counter-attack side.
“His rise to fame could not come at a better time, as many elite clubs are looking for long-term modifications to their attacking squads.”
(Photo: Liselotte Sabouraud/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images)
