Manchester United verbally agreed on personal terms with striker target Rasmus Hojlund, but still nothing with Atalanta.
According to Football Insider, Manchester United have taken steps towards signing Rasmus Hojlund by verbally agreeing on personal terms with the 20-year-old. The Red Devils consider the Atalanta star an option but have yet to agree on a fee with the Italian side, which seems tricky.
Manchester United’s need for a striker is no secret. Erik ten Hag’s side could have performed much better with a goalscoring forward in their ranks. The experiment with Wout Weghorst failed miserably, with the Dutchman finishing his loan stint without a Premier League goal to his name.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag can no longer rely on Anthony Martial following the Frenchman’s inconsistent performances and injury-riddled season. Hence, a top-draw striker seems essential for the Red Devils, but most of their priority names are overpriced.
Due to their price tags, Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen are no longer options for Ten Hag. They are still in the race for Goncalo Ramos, with Benfica chief Rui Costa feeling they will pay €80 million for the striker. Rasmus Hojlund is also an interesting name to consider, with Manchester United following his progress last season.
In Hojlund’s case, he likes the idea of playing for Manchester United, having been a boyhood fan. However, the 20-year-old’s lack of experience continues to bother Ten Hag, who has doubts whether he could lead the line for a whole season.
Yet, they have considered him a top option this summer, but any move will depend on their failure to lure in other names. Manchester United reportedly ponder a part-exchange offer, but nothing seems to work. The exchange could involve Mason Greenwood after Atalanta reportedly expressed an interest.
They will have to negotiate to convince Atalanta to drop their €100 million price tag. Before that happens, Manchester United verbally agreed with the 20-year-old over personal terms and a long-term contract.
Chelsea are also monitoring the striker as they search for a new frontman. The Blues have adopted a new policy of signing young players and developing them into future stars. They were linked with Arsenal sensation Folarin Balogun, but any move, including for Hojlund, seems complicated at this stage.
Manchester United surely have the upper hand in the Hojlund chase, for the player wants to sign for the club. Chelsea could attempt, but they will only have a chance if the Red Devils bow out of the chase for the Atalanta star.
