Man Utd striker signing explodes into life after club-record deal makes life easy for Ten Hag

A Man Utd move for Rasmus Hojlund has received a significant shot in the arm after Atalanta struck a club-record agreement to sign his replacement, per a trusted source.

Hojlund, 20, has emerged as Man Utd’s primary transfer target at centre-forward this summer. Harry Kane is admired by Erik ten Hag, while parallel talks have been held with Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani. Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus was even touted as more of a makeshift and cost-effective option.

However, Fabrizio Romano insisted it’s Denmark international Hojlund who Man Utd are focussing on. Per the reporter, the Red Devils will lodge their first official bid this week.

Now, according to the transfer guru, that impending bid now has a greater chance of succeeding after Atalanta struck an agreement to sign Hojlund’s replacement.

Taking to Twitter, Romano reported Atalanta have “reached an agreement in principle” to sign Almeria’s El Bilal Toure.

The 21-year-old Ivory Coast international was also on Everton’s radar, though it’s Atalanta who’ve moved quickly and decisively.

The Serie A side have seen a deal worth €28m plus a further €3m in add-ons accepted by Almeria. The Spanish side have also inserted a 15 percent sell-on clause.

Toure will sign a “long-term deal” and his medical has been scheduled. The move will become a new club record for Atalanta, with their current highest buy the €22m paid to Sassulo when signing Jeremie Boga in 2022.

Crucially for Man Utd fans, Romano stressed Toure is “likely to be Hojlund’s replacement.”

That will be music to the ears of Ten Hag who after signing Andre Onana and Mason Mount, has now fixed his gaze on landing a new starting striker.

Per the Telegraph, Man Utd’s upper limit for the move is £60m. Varying sources have claimed Atalanta value the Dane higher than that, though the Toure move is a clear indication they’re preparing for life after Hojlund.

Man Utd have already agreed personal terms with Hojlund. As such, securing an agreement over the transfer fee and passing a medical are all that remains.

READ MORE: Man Utd stun Leeds with talks over surprise next signing confirmed