Man Utd pick £86m striker ‘over Hojlund’ as ‘fears’ force Prem giants to ‘work on’ two huge deals

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·19 July 2023

Man Utd pick £86m striker ‘over Hojlund’ as ‘fears’ force Prem giants to ‘work on’ two huge deals

Randal Kolo Muani battles Julian Brandt.

Man Utd are reportedly ‘ready’ to step up their interest in Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani as they struggle to agree a fee for Rasmus Hojlund.

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Inter Milan’s Andre Onana is set to be Man Utd’s second summer signing following the £55m arrival of Mason Mount from Chelsea.

The Red Devils are now set to switch their attention to acquiring a new striker. This is required following the high-profile departure of Cristiano Ronaldo last season.

Wout Weghorst’s loan has since expired so Erik ten Hag is left with just Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial as his main two striker options ahead of next season.

Ten Hag is known to be an admirer of Tottenham striker Harry Kane, but they are well aware that it will be difficult for them to reach an agreement with Daniel Levy, who wants around £100m for the club’s prized asset.

Man Utd have instead been heavily linked with Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund as a potential alternative to Kane. The 20-year-old has grabbed 10 goals and four assists in his first 34 appearances for the Serie A outfit.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the talented youngster has already settled on personal terms ahead of a potential move to Old Trafford, but Man Utd are yet to agree a fee with Atalanta.

The Italian side are understood to want €70m (£60m) for Hojlund this summer. Man Utd have reportedly been looking to negotiate a swap deal so they can sign the forward for a lower fee, but Atalanta – having already ‘rejected’ midfielder Fred – are only interested in a cash-only transfer.

ESPN are now reporting that ‘United are ready to step up their interest in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Kolo Muani over fears Atalanta will not compromise on their valuation of Hojlund’.

The 24-year-old grabbed 23 goals and 17 assists for the Bundesliga side in his 46 appearances across all competitions last term. The report from ESPN adds.

‘Hojlund is a key target but Atalanta want at least €70 million ($78.6m) — a valuation that United don’t believe is a fair reflection for the 20-year-old who is at the beginning of his career. ‘Sources have told ESPN that United will test Atalanta’s resolve with a bid but the club are also working on a potential move for Kolo Muani. ‘The 24-year-old is high up on manager Erik ten Hag’s list of options after scoring 23 goals for Frankfurt last season.’

This is a pretty puzzling story. If ESPN are to be believed, Man Utd’s ‘fears’ over the Hojlund fee are leading to them targeting a striker who will be even more expensive.

So perhaps take this with a pinch of salt as it appears more likely that Man Utd will indeed push ahead with their pursuit of Hojlund.