Man United are reluctant to pay more than €60 million for a 20-year-old who wants to leave Old Trafford; Atalanta are wanting €70 million plus €10 million in add-ons, but the clubs are close to reaching an agreement. Given the FFP limits, PSG’s €50 million offer is unlikely to have an influence on Manchester United. Randal Kolo Muani is another option.
Thursday 27 July 2023 22:08, UK
Manchester United are optimistic of striking a deal with Atalanta for Rasmus Hojlund to give him enough time to train with the team and be ready for the opening game of the season against Wolves on August 14.
Personal terms are no issue for the 20-year-old, who wants the switch to Old Trafford, although a gap in valuation still exists, with Atalanta seeking £59.8m (€70m) plus £8.5m (€10m) in add-ons.
Paris Saint-Germain have made a £43m (€50m) bid but United will not be swayed in their approach by interest in the player from other clubs. The club have shown in the deals for Mason Mount and Andre Onana they will not break their maximum budget for a player this summer.
They do, though, have a good relationship with the Serie A side after negotiations for Amad Diallo, and have been in constant contact with their counterparts over a compromise on the fee for Hojlund.
Both clubs are moving in the direction of reaching an agreement.
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United are conscious that Hojlund is more potential than the finished article, but believe Erik ten Hag’s coaching could help mould him into an elite player.There is an understanding that if the Denmark international is signed, Marcus Rashford may need to play some games as United’s focal point while Hojlund adjusts and gains experience. Long-term he is seen as a talent that has the potential to become world class under Ten Hag.
United wouldn’t need to sell to buy Hojlund and are banking on decent sales this summer and in the January window to keep them within the requisite financial parameters.
While there is confidence in getting a deal done, the club have been in parallel discussions for Randal Kolo Muani from Eintracht Frankfurt as an alternative option.
United have also put in a lot of work on Ajax’s versatile Mohammed Kudus plus at least one other target as they do not want a drawn-out saga or to be left light in attack at the start of the season.
PSG, meanwhille, are keen to sign a striker and believe they are “in the mix” to sign Harry Kane this summer if Tottenham decide to sell the England captain.
