Manchester United will submit an opening bid for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund in the coming days, according to journalist Alfredo Pedulla.
The Red Devils recently completed the purchase of Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana. The 27-year-old will wear the number 24 shirt with the club.
United’s focus is now on signing a marquee striker, and it is claimed that they could make an offer of €60 million plus add-ons for Hojlund’s services.
Atalanta won’t accept any technical counterparts in the deal. They have identified Almeria’s El Bilal Traore as the potential replacement.
Hojlund already has a total agreement with United over personal terms. His salary could reportedly increase seven to eight times with the move.
United set for key negotiations with Atalanta
United manager Erik ten Hag has identified Hojlund as the ‘perfect‘ profile to lead the club’s attack.
The Dutch tactician believes the 20-year-old can be a ‘20 goals per season‘ striker. The onus is now on United to convince Atalanta over his transfer.
The club are currently lining up an opening bid of €60m plus bonuses, but Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini is hopeful of receiving around €100m.
In our view, United are unlikely to pay such a significant fee for the youngster, but could be willing to meet in the middle with performance-based add-ons.
The Red Devils have already been successful in reducing price tags for Mason Mount and Onana, and should be confident of doing the same for Hojlund.
Ten Hag may ideally want the striker signed within a few days such that he can be involved with the first-team for the back end of the pre-season campaign.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com