Manchester United are ready to renew their pursuit of Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund after securing a deal to sign Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana, Calciomercato claim.
Hojlund has been identified as United’s top striker target, and the club are now prepared to re-enter discussions with Atalanta over a potential transfer.
Calciomercato report that United made ‘first contact’ with Atalanta earlier in the summer. They were willing to offer €40 million (£34m) to sign the 20-year-old.
A ‘relaunch’ is now ‘expected’ by the club, having finalised the long-awaited transfer of Onana. Atalanta are holding out for €70m (£60m) to part ways with Hojlund.
United could negotiate lower fee for Hojlund
The Red Devils have been cautious with their spending in the summer transfer window. They have been reluctant to pay over the odds for any of their transfer targets.
Chelsea initially quoted more than £70m for midfielder Mason Mount, but United were eventually able to negotiate a fixed fee of £55m plus £5m in difficult add-ons.
They have managed to do something similar for Onana. Inter Milan wanted £51m for his services, but United are due to pay £43m up front plus £4m in bonuses.
Considering this, United are unlikely to pay £60m for Hojlund. We anticipate multiple bids in the coming days as the club look to lower Atalanta’s valuation for him.
Hojlund is a striker with huge potential. He has yet to find the consistency in front of goal, but could become an elite centre-forward with the right guidance.
Erik ten Hag had a big reputation of developing young talents into world-beaters at Ajax, and he should be excited by the prospect of working with the Dane.
Hojlund managed a combined tally of 16 goals and seven assists for Sturm Graz and Atalanta last term.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
