£85m Man Utd alternative to Kane does not come with Ten Hag ‘guarantee’ as striker plans get risky
A couple of major issues are complicating any Man Utd transfer move for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, according to reports.
The Red Devils have made signing a centre-forward their top priority this summer, although a deal for Mason Mount is currently at the top of their list as they decide on their top striker target.
That’s after reports last week insisted that Man Utd had given up on signing Tottenham striker Harry Kane this summer with Daniel Levy still unwilling to negotiate with the Red Devils.
Man Utd will instead turn to other targets on their list with Atalanta’s Hojlund, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen all possibilities.
The Athletic explain that Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag ‘ideally wants Premier League proven’ this summer which is why he pushed so hard to try and sign Kane.
The Dutchman ‘felt United had a genuine chance to sign him due to his contract having one year to run, despite Levy communicating he would not sell to a Premier League rival’.
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After conversations between John Murtough and Spurs ‘it was decided United could not afford to spend the transfer window trying to persuade Levy otherwise, with every expectation a deal would only be done in late August if possible at all.’
It is now understood that Ten Hag ‘accepts the situation’ as Man Utd look for alternatives – but issues have already arisen over a potential deal for Hojlund.
Man Utd have been ‘told that his fee in this market would be €100m (£85m)’ with previous reports indicating that Atalanta would accept bids in the region of €47m for the Denmark international.
Hojlund ‘does not represent the guarantee that Ten Hag is insisting on’ with the former Ajax boss wanting Man Utd to sign a proven goalscorer to avoid the jeopardy he has with his current strikeforce.
The Athletic adds that it would be ‘a lot to ask him to lead the line for United each week’ and that means Man Utd ‘will not bid close to €100million’ for the 20-year-old.
Ten Hag has a ‘no risk’ policy over their search for a new centre-forward – but the longer the window goes on without a new striker in the building the ‘bigger the risk’.
And Hojlund has denied he has had a video call with Ten Hag but claims he’ll “have to see what happens” over Man Utd interest.
Speaking about the Man Utd transfer speculation, Hojlund said last week: “It is a huge club, so I must have done something right if it’s rumoured they want me. We have to see what happens.
“From what we all hear, I imagine a lot could happen to quite a few strikers this summer, as many clubs are looking for a Number 9. Something will definitely happen there, and then we’ll have to wait and see if I am included in it.
“My goal is to reach the top shelf, and you can say that Manchester United is. Ten Hag? There has been no video call with him.”