EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd want Hojlund now, but Atalanta have other plans

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 22 May 2023 07:01 BST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Man Utd are targeting Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund but they will struggle to secure a deal below £60million, FootballTransfers has been told.

Sources in Italy have spoken about Man Utd’s interest in the 20-year-old, following the news that the side want to buy the youngster to play alongside Harry Kane.

We understand that though the club are indeed in for Hojlund, the club will not be encouraged to make an opening offer of £40m, an amount that has been floated in the UK media.

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Hojlund is contracted to Atalanta until 2027 and the club would rather see him be sold after one more season in Bergamo. It is thought that the striker’s valuation could be doubled at this point, while they would also be able to have him for another campaign as they attempt to re-gain entry into the Champions League.

The Champions League looks out of reach for Atalanta at this point and that might have some effect, but there will be a concerted effort to keep hold of Hojlund.

Hojlund has scored seven goals in 29 appearances since joining Atalanta from Sturm Graz. He arrived for just £15 million last summer but Atalanta don’t wish to let him leave after a single year with them.

Erik ten Hag’s revolution on hold

Man Utd are after an elite striker to come in and work alongside a younger and cheaper option. Kane features heavily on the list as does Napoli star Victor Osimhen. FootballTransfers has also reported on the club’s interest in Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who could depart the Old Lady this summer.

Erik ten Hag is looking for clarity on the ownership of Man Utd, as the takeover saga rumbles into the middle of May. The Glazers are still yet to make a final decision over a preferred bidder despite there being three rounds of offers.