Manchester United are in talks to sign Rasmus Hojlund but the Premier League club have a ‘firm ceiling in mind’ when it comes to a transfer fee, according to reports.
Erik ten Hag has prioritised signing a new centre forward this season. In fact, the United manager wants to bring in two strikers this summer as his overhauls of the first-team squad continues.
A number of top forwards have been linked with a move to Old Trafford so far this summer, including England international Harry Kane and Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani.
Another player that continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford is highly-rated Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund.
The 20-year-old Danish international, who has been branded one of the best emerging talents in world football, netted 20 goals in 47 games for club and country last season.
Hojlund has already agreed personal terms with United, according to Fabrizio Romano. who claims Manchester United will submit their first official bid in the coming days.
But a transfer fee with Atalanta has yet to be agreed; something that could prove a stumbling block in a potential deal.
The Telegraph suggest United are unwilling to pay more than £60 million for Hojlund following an ‘outlandish’ initial valuation of £86 million.
The Premier League club will also need to sell players to comply with Europe’s new financial framework. United are unable to throw an extra £10 million at the deal as it would impact future transfers.
They are, however, expected to make around £20 million from the sales of Anthony Elanga and Alex Telles, although more departures may be needed to comply with Uefa and the Premier League’s financial sustainability rules.
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini recently admitted that a big offer would see Hojlund depart the Serie A club this summer.
“Hojlund or [Giorgio] Scalvini? I’d rather not lose either of them,” he said. “Atalanta can hardly turn down certain offers, and this is the big difference with us and the big clubs.
“I’m always sorry when one of our best players leaves. But you need to sell to reinvest and maybe become even stronger.
“I haven’t talked to Hojlund about the transfer market, he’s training well, he’s a valuable guy and I think he’s doing very well here. Sometimes it’s a question of life choices.”
Thoughts on the Hojlund links? Is he worth the fee? Let us know in the comments.
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