Ten Hag goes big with double Man Utd striker coup worth €130m advancing; greenlight on both deals granted
Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag
Erik ten Hag is pushing to sign two strikers – not one – at Man Utd this summer, and ‘detailed talks’ are already underway regarding a pair of players who have the greenlight to leave, per a report.
Man Utd chasing an elite-level centre-forward this summer is no secret. Indeed, the Manchester Evening News recently declared Tottenham talisman Harry Kane to be United’s No 1 target.
Victor Osimhen is also admired and is believed to be the chief back-up option. However, both players are likely to cost north of £100m to sign and their respective clubs have no intention of selling.
As such, a fresh update from the Athletic has revealed Man Utd are seriously exploring moves for alternative targets.
Two strikers are named in the piece – Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund and Randal Kolo Muani of Eintracht Frankfurt. Per the report, Man Utd have held ‘detailed talks’ over signing both players.
Football Director John Murtough has ‘stepped up’ his recruitment drive following United confirming their place in next season’s Champions League.
Murtough is said to have spoken with Atalanta and Frankfurt ‘several times’ regarding Hojlund and Kolo Muani. Encouragingly for Man Utd, it’s then claimed both clubs are ‘open to selling their players for the right price’.
Denmark international Hojlund, 20, is expected to cost around €50m (approx. £43m). France ace Kolo Muani, 24, is valued around the €80m (approx. £68.6m) mark.
Two out, two in at Man Utd?
The Daily Mail recently confirmed loanee Wout Weghorst will not be brought back to the club next season. Furthermore, United will listen to offers for Anthony Martial.
With United’s striking option set to be depleted, the Athletic state Ten Hag is gunning for two additions up front and not just one.
An experienced striker along with another at the beginning of his career is the ideal scenario. Kolo Muani (24) and Hojlund (20) would appear to fit that billing.
Another option at the younger end of the spectrum is Santos striker Marcos Leonardo who Man Utd have watched tear up the Under 20s World Cup for Brazil.
Between Hojlund and Kolo Muani, the Athletic declare Hojlund to be the likelier of the two to sign. Though that’s not to say both can’t be brought to Old Trafford if United’s budget can stretch that far.
Other moves are in the pipeline, most notably for Chelsea’s Mason Mount who has agreed personal terms to join the club.
Chelsea are understood to be seeking £70m for their homegrown star. Man Utd hope to bring the price down to around £55m.
How United fare in those types of negotiations could be the determining factor in whether they’re able to sign two strikers or just one.
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