Man Utd learn fate of €80m striker and see another transfer target slip away

Updated: 3 Aug 2023 12:12 BST
3 min read

Manchester United could see two of their transfer targets make big money moves this week, with Paris Saint-Germain closing in on the €80 million signing of Goncalo Ramos.

Ramos has been heavily scouted by United over the past year and the Benfica striker was on Erik ten Hag’s shortlist for a number nine, however a move for Rasmus Hojlund was pursued instead.

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Ramos was thought to be a backup to Hojlund in case United were unable to seal a deal for the 20-year-old, however the Dane is set to complete his move to Old Trafford imminently after a fee of €85m was agreed with Atalanta.

EXCLUSIVE: Hojlund was Ten Hag's 'fifth-choice striker'

PSG also were thought to be keen on Hojlund but the forward preferred a move to United, prompting the French side to focus their attention on Ramos and a deal worth €65m plus €15m in add-ons has been agreed for the 22-year-old.

While United opted for Hojlund over Ramos, they may not have much choice over Jean-Clair Todibo, with the Nice defender being eyed by Juventus despite being a target for Ten Hag.

Todibo was seen as an alternative to Kim Min-Jae, who turned down a move to United to join Bayern Munich from Napoli, however Ten Hag is prioritising a midfielder before addressing the defence, which could allow Juventus to swoop in for the 23-year-old.

United focusing on sales before defence

United will look to complete a move for Sofyan Amrabat once Hojlund’s deal is finalised, with Fiorentina likely to demand around €25m for the Moroccan midfielder.

LIFELINE: United handed huge boost in Amrabat pursuit

The double deal would take United’s spending this summer to more than €200m, lowering the chance of any further major deals until the club can raise more money through sales.

Fred, Eric Bailly and Donny van de Beek are still likely to leave the club, although a move for a centre-back such as Todibo will hinge on Harry Maguire’s future, with West Ham interested in the England international.

However, any deal for Maguire could drag on towards the end of the transfer window, meaning United could miss out on Todibo or any alternatives despite their interest and Ten Hag’s desire to strengthen in defence.