Man Utd get green light to pursue promising striker as Fabrizio Romano details initial talks
Fabrizio Romano has detailed how Rasmus Hojlund would be “keen on a move” to Manchester United, who have had “conversations” with people close to the forward.
United look likely to sign a central striker in the summer transfer window. Wout Weghorst looked to only ever be a stopgap in the position, and that was seemingly confirmed by the fact he failed to score a Premier League goal in 17 games.
While Erik ten Hag has refused to rule out his permanent signing, he’d surely not be a started up top if he was to join permanently.
Indeed, after the top season United have had – winning the League Cup, reaching the FA Cup final and finishing third in the Premier League – signing a world-class striker could allow them to build upon their good season.
There are a few big names being targeted by the Old Trafford outfit.
Harry Kane seems to be the main one, after a 30-goal campaign in a struggling Tottenham side seemed to suggest a move was likely. But with Spurs ‘adamant’ they won’t sell to a Premier League rival, that snare is obviously tricky.
Another heavily-linked striker is Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. However, after he scored 26 times in a title-winning campaign, the Italian outfit have reportedly slapped a £150million valuation on him, and the Red Devils are ready to walk away.
A more attainable target is Atalanta’s Hojlund. The 20-year-old Dane has played just one season in a top-five European league, but looked promising, bagging nine goals alongside four assists.
Hojlund gives green light after United talks
United have been linked with him for a few months, and they’re putting the feelers out to see how they could get the deal done, as per transfer insider Romano.
“Manchester United are, we can say, informed on the conditions of the deal,” he said on The United Stand.
“What happened recently, in the last 10 days, is that they had some conversations with people close to Rasmus Hojlund to be informed on the conditions of the deal, how much it would take to sign the player in the summer.”
While Atalanta might prove tough in negotiations, Hojlund seems raring to go for the move.
“They know that Atalanta hope to keep the player. But from what I understand, the player would be really keen on a move to Manchester United,” Romano added.
“We know he is a Manchester United fan – he was a Manchester United fan as a kid. Also he has this dream to play in the Premier League, so I think he would be keen on a move. United are informed on that.”
Romano also alluded to the fact the deal would not be easy due to Atalanta “demands”.
It’s previously been reported the Italian outfit would demand in the region of £43million, which could rise to more than £51million after bonuses.
United will have to decide if they feel Hojlund is worth that outlay. He’s had a promising start to life in Serie A given he’s just 20 years old, and the other options they’ve looked at would be much more expensive than him.
As such, it would not be a surprise if United grabbed the opportunity to sign him with both hands.
