Manchester United are reportedly readying a second bid worth £40million for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund after their opening proposal was knocked back by the Italian side. The young Dane features towards the top of Erik ten Hag’s summer shortlist and the Dutchman is already believed to have held private talks with the highly-rated 20-year-old over a move to Old Trafford.
Reports within the Italian press in the past few days suggest United have already launched an offer of £31million but Atalanta rejected the approach out of hand.
Now The Sun claim United are ready to put more money on the table – upping their bid to £40m – which could be enough to strike an agreement.
There has been noise from Italy that Atalanta would be looking for a fee closer to £60m but knowing Hojlund is keen on the move, they could yet lower their valuation of the player to ensure the saga does not rumble on.
Interestingly, the report also states that should United get a deal for Hojlund over the line for £40m, United would only have £25m left to spend this summer unless they raised cash through player sales.
Selling the likes of Harry Maguire and Fred has always been on the agenda but so far, the Red Devils have struggled to find buyers for the duo.
Maguire has been tentatively linked with Tottenham and West Ham but neither currently look willing to step up to the plate and present a suitable offer.
As for Fred, United want £20m and that figure is currently preventing Fulham from formalising their interest as they believe the asking price is rather steep.
United have also been in discussions over a swoop for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana in the past week.
Yet it appears Ten Hag may have to pick between a new striker and new goalkeeper all the while no progress is made on sales.
The Red Devils desperately need reinforcements in attack and it’s still not out of the question that David de Gea could extend his contract at Old Trafford.
Free agent De Gea is set to hold talks over his future with United upon return from his holidays and it’s believed his future is directly related to United’s hopes of landing a striker.
While Ten Hag would ideally like a Premier League proven goalscorer in his side, United may now have to settle for an investment in the future.
Harry Kane is out of reach at this moment in time and United could stand in greater stead of landing him in the summer of 2024 when his Tottenham contract expires.
Kane looks on course to remain at Spurs for the 2023/24 season with United unable to table an offer that would even tempt Daniel Levy into business.
The hard-nosed Tottenham chairman is reluctant to sell to another Premier League club regardless, even if United did stump up £100m.
Other targets such as Randal Kolo Muani and Victor Osimhen are also deemed unaffordable at this moment in time.
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