Manchester United prepared to make a fresh approach for Atalanta sensation Rasmus Hojlund
According to the Sun Live, Manchester United are preparing an improved second offer of £40 million for Atalanta ace Rasmus Hojlund, following the rejection of their initial bid by the Italian club.
The 20-year-old Danish player is a key target for manager Erik ten Hag, who has been known to have had private discussions with the highly talented forward regarding a potential transfer to Old Trafford.
United’s initial offer of £30m for the Danish striker was swiftly rejected by Atalanta. However, according to The Sun, the English giants are now prepared to increase their bid to £40 million in the hopes of reaching an agreement.
Despite reports suggesting that the Italian outfit may hold out for a fee of around £60 million, they could potentially lower their valuation of Hojlund due to the player’s desire to make the move, thus avoiding a prolonged transfer saga.
United’s summer transfer budget is limited to £120m unless they generate funds through player sales. They have already used £55m to buy Mason Mount from Chelsea.
The club have considered offloading players such as Harry Maguire and Fred, but finding buyers has proven challenging thus far. Ten Hag might also face a dilemma in choosing between signing a new striker or a new goalkeeper due to the lack of progress in player sales.
The club is in dire need of attacking reinforcements. While Ten Hag would prefer a proven goal scorer with Premier League experience, United might have to compromise and focus on investing in a promising player for the future.
Man United’s chances of signing Harry Kane in the current transfer window are slim, and they may have a better opportunity to acquire him in the summer of 2024, when his contract with Tottenham expires. Other targets like Randal Kolo Muani and Victor Osimhen are also considered too expensive for United at the moment.
Hence, a target like Hojlund suits United’s requirements at this moment. Although he may not be as experienced as a 20-year-old, it’s worth the gamble to invest in such a promising young player.
The Danish forward joined Atalanta from Sturm Graz last summer and still has four years remaining on his contract with the Italian club. Last season, he scored 10 goals and provided four assists in 34 appearances for Atalanta. These numbers are impressive for a player of his age.
After all, Erling Haaland also sealed a move to Borussia Dortmund when he was just 19 years old, and he went on to break record after record in the next few years.
The Red Devils have also been linked with a move for Inter Milan shot-stopper Andre Onana in the coming days due to David de Gea’s contract uncertainties. However, due to limited funds, the club might be first trying to make a move for the Atalanta star before switching their minds to a new keeper.
The club can only secure both of their targets if they collect funds through player sales. It would be a huge boost for Ten Hag if Atalanta accepted this improved second bid and let their star player move to Old Trafford.
It would be safe to say that the Red Devils are moving carefully in their market and finding the right targets that suit their current plans.
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We firmly believe that Hojlund has the calibre to succeed at Old Trafford, and it is worth taking a gamble on such a talented goal-scorer who could help ease the burden on Marcus Rashford’s shoulders.
The clock is ticking, and so are United’s chances of landing a new striker this summer.
