Manchester United are braced for increased interest in striker Rasmus Hojlund, who has been heavily linked with a return to Serie A this summer.
According to Matteo Moretto, Napoli and Juventus are among clubs interested in signing the Danish striker, and the latter has gone one step further by initiating preliminary talks.
Negotiations may not be fully underway yet, but United are aware of the growing interest in their number nine, who has struggled to light up the Premier League since touching down in England two years ago.
United paid a whopping £64 million to sign Hojlund from Atalanta in the summer of 2023, but it turned out to be an ill-fated move.
Two years down the line, the Red Devils have yet to reap the fruits of their mouth-watering investment, with Hojlund turning up a meagre 24 goals in 84 games.
Many will argue that at 22, the young striker still has plenty to offer, but with United hungry to reclaim their status as world beaters, it wouldn’t be surprising if Hojlund is one of the first names on the chopping block.
Hojlund still has three years left on his contract, but United have been offered a chance to cut their losses on the Denmark international.
Juventus are particularly keen on bringing him back to Italy although they’d hardly match up to United’s initial investment in the striker.
Besides, Hojlund’s stock has plummeted over the past couple of years.
Once considered one of the most fearsome young strikers across the continent, the Dane is now valued at £39m on Transfermarkt.
It remains to be seen if United will settle for a fee around that valuation or if they’d even entertain the idea of parting ways with the striker this summer.
However, their interest in Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap gives the idea that they could be open to negotiations for the right amount.
As things stand, Juventus could be Hojlund’s next destination. Napoli have also been mentioned, but Hojlund appears to be nothing more than a last-gasp option for Antonio Conte’s side.
If United do cash in, they’ll most likely invest the proceeds in Delap, who isn’t short on potential suitors across the Premier League.
