Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano delivered a major update on Manchester United’s quest to sign a new out-and-out striker to lead the line next season on Monday.
From the strings attached to Financial Fair Play rules to the ongoing takeover saga, Romano has broken down the Red Devils’ transfer policy regarding their pursuit of a new striker.
A deal to bring Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur looks virtually impossible, while Napoli’s asking price for Victor Osimhen is prohibitive for United’s finances.
Given Daniel Levy’s firm stance on his talisman, it’s hard to imagine Kane leaving north London for another Premier League club, hence Man United’s decision to pull out of the race.
Meanwhile, Aurelio De Laurentiis has pinned a stratospheric €150 million price tag on the Nigerian’s head and is unwilling to budge on it, making it impossible for United to consider him a potential target.
There is also the ongoing ownership issue.
Romano maintains the current owners hold some reservations about pursuing other rumoured targets, such as Paris Saint-Germain superstar duo Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
While landing Mbappe rests in the realm of science fiction, Neymar could be an attainable target but United have never opened discussions with the Brazilian.
That leads us to Atalanta’s star in the making – Rasmus Hojlund.
The current Man United ownership appreciates the Dane’s burgeoning talent and would be ready to negotiate his move to Old Trafford under one condition.
La Dea’s initial request to let the 20-year-old leave was around €60m, but they’ve increased their demands.
It may need up to €70m to convince the Italians to sanction Hojlund’s departure, a price the Red Devils have no intention of paying for various reasons.
To begin with, the ex-Copenhagen striker wasn’t a regular starter in Gian Piero Gasperini’s line-up last season.
Despite living in a time of inflated market prices, forking out such a significant figure on a player who’s yet to reach his potential would be a silly decision.
Hojlund’s desire to move on to a new challenge should help Man United drive the price down, which is why he remains the most realistic target for Ten Hag.
