Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd transfer talks for €95m-rated goals and assist machine heat up as final hurdle floors Ten Hag over top target

Randal Kolo Muani of Eintracht Frankfurt is a Man Utd transfer target

Randal Kolo Muani is a Man Utd transfer target

Manchester United are considering a serious change of tack as they strive to bring in a new striker to Old Trafford and amid growing fears Atalanta have priced them out the running for Rasmus Hojlund.

Erik ten Hag has made clear his wish to bring in a new centre forward this summer to alleviate the burden on Marcus Rashford. The academy graduate enjoyed the best season of his career last time out, smashing in 30 goals in all competitions.

And while United collectively enjoyed a hugely-progressive season, the fact he was the only Red Devils attacker to break into double figures has been earmarked as a big area of improvement going forwards.

As a result, Ten Hag has honed in on the signing of powerful Denmark frontman Hojlund.

After scoring 10 goals in 34 appearances during his breakthrough campaign in Serie A, Hojlund has earned comparisons with Man City superstar Erling Haaland.

And while that tally does not match the exploits of Haaland at City, Hojlund’s six in six for his country certainly does.

Earmarked as one of the best young talents in the world, it is easy to see why Ten Hag is making his signing a priority for United.

To that end, a series of talks around a potential deal have taken place in recent weeks. The Serie A side, however, are warning they only want a straight cash sale after ruling out the prospect of taking any of United’s cast-offs on loan.

Indeed, United had hoped Atalanta might have considered taking on Mason Greenwood on loan only to see that offer slapped down.

To put the wheels in motion, United were planning to submit an opening offer of around €50m (£43.3m) for Hojlund.

However, those plans have taken an almighty downturn amid claims Atalanta are seeking up to €100m for the star. And perhaps more worryingly for Ten Hag, one of Europe’s powerhouses have now reportedly entered into negotiations for the star.

READ MORETen Hag transfer dream destroyed as Man Utd learn €100m demand and Euro giants move to gazump deal

Man Utd turn focus towards Randal Kolo Muani

That valuation could potentially signal the end of United’s interest in the star. And the frustration will be clear for Ten Hag, with United having already settled on personal terms with the 20-year-old.

To that end, the striker had reportedly agreed terms on a five-year deal that would have seen his salary increase by a staggering 800%.

As a result – and to keep their options open – Football Insider now reports United chiefs have entered into advanced talks over a deal for Randal Kolo Muani as well.

The France striker has been on United’s radar for some time, though their interest had seemingly cooled in light of their Hojlund pursuit.

The 24-year-old only moved to Eintracht Frankfurt last summer as a free agent from Nantes.

But he enjoyed an incredible debut season in the Bundesliga, finishing the season with a hefty 23 goals and 17 assists across 46 appearances in 46 appearances.

That tally of a goal contribution every 1.15 games illustrates a player of not just great quality, but one could potentially link-up well with United’s other attackers.

Now United have learned that Frankfurt have placed a €95m (£82.2m) asking price on the striker’s head.

That comes after discussions with both the Bundesliga club and the striker’s agent over a possible switch to Old Trafford.

And with United regarding Hojlund’s asking price as ‘excessive’, there is a strong chance United could change tack and prioritise a move for Kolo Muani instead.

Ten Hag desperate for a new striker at Man Utd

Ten Hag, meanwhile, is refusing to discuss individual targets by name this summer. However, speaking from their training base in the USA, the Dutchman has admitted his club will do “everything in their power” to sign a new No 9.

“I don’t talk about specific players who are under contract at another club,” he said.

“We will do everything in our power to get the right man in. We know our targets. We will put the effort in to get things done.”

United have spent £98m so far this summer on Andre Onana and Mason Mount. Therefore, any striker deal will likely come close to doubling their spending thus far.

Kolo Muani, who played for France at the 2022 World Cup, is contracted to Frankfurt until summer 2027. PSG and Bayern Munich are among those to have also been linked with his services.

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