Man Utd hatch GENIUS plan to complete Hojlund transfer

Tom Weber

• 10 Jul 2023 15:44 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United could offer Amad Diallo as a makeweight to complete the Rasmus Hojlund transfer, according to a report.

The Dane, nicknamed the 'next Haaland,' has emerged as the Red Devils' number-one striker target after they were priced out of signing Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen. Financial Fair Play regulations and the ongoing takeover saga mean that United are operating on a restricted budget this summer.

Hojlund would be a cheaper option than the aforementioned names, but there is a significant risk attached to his potential signing. The 20-year-old is relatively inexperienced at the top level and he endured a noticeable dip in form earlier in the year. With this in mind, United are wary of matching Atalanta's asking price reported to be around €60 million.

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Nevertheless, they are trying to get the transfer done, having already agreed personal terms, but they are thinking of creative ways to strike a cheaper deal.

Diallo as a makeweight?

According to Sky Sports, the Red Devils are considering whether or not to offer Amad Diallo to Atalanta to get them to lower their demands. It would only be a loan as the Ivorian is rated highly at United, but a temporary return to his former stomping ground could prove beneficial to all sides.

Diallo joined United from Atalanta in 2021 in a deal worth €21m and he impressed on loan at Sunderland last term, notching 14 goals across the regular season and the playoffs.

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The report also mentions, however, that Erik ten Hag is keen to assess Diallo in pre-season before making a decision on his future. The 20-year-old has no shortage of suitors this summer - Everton, Burnley, West Ham, Southampton and Sheffield United among others - but the Dutchman may be keen to keep the youngster close to the first team next season.