Man Utd ‘get firm response from Atalanta’ after attempting Hojlund swap deal
Man Utd's recruitment issues
Manchester United have offered players to Atalanta as they look to sign Rasmus Hojlund, according to reports. However, the Serie A giants have made it clear they’ll only let the 20-year-old go for a cash payment. The youngster is wanted by Erik ten Hag to lead his attack next season, having scored nine goals across all competitions last term.
Manchester United are looking to sign a replacement for Wout Weghorst, who returned to Burnley earlier this summer following a poor loan stint.
And though they like Eintracht Frankfurt star Randal Kolo Muani, Hojlund appears to be their No 1 target.
Now, according to The Athletic, United have offered players in exchange for the 20-year-old as they look to break Atalanta’s resolve.
They have ‘floated the idea of swap deals plus money’ for the forward, at a time when several players are up for sale.
Fred and Donny van de Beek are both available, with both players failing to win Ten Hag’s trust last season.
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Fred confirmed he could leave United after last month’s FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City, saying: “I still don’t know, I have to talk with my family.
“I still have one year left on my contract here. Now it’s holiday time and a good opportunity to rest.
“I’ll talk to my staff, to the club and see what everyone’s decision is.
“I do have to talk with Ten Hag as well. He’s the manager and the conversation has to involve everyone. We have to see how next season will plan out.
“I want to be important, I want to help the team, so we’ll see. But I’ve always been and still am very happy at Manchester United.
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“Of course I always want to be playing, to be helping my team, and gladly I started the final and I think we played well.”
And Van de Beek has toiled ever since his move to United in 2020.
Big things were expected of the Netherlands international when he joined, having previously impressed for Ajax.
Yet Van de Beek has been unable to impress during his time in the Premier League, making just 60 appearances in three years.
While United suggested a swap to Atalanta, they ‘did not express any interest in the players proposed’.
And they’re only willing to let Hojlund go if they receive a huge fee in full.
They want a massive £85.5million to let the Denmark international go, 12 months after they recruited him from Sturm Graz.
Only Antony and Paul Pogba have joined United for bigger fees.
Should they fail to land Hojlund, who wants to join the club, then the Red Devils will likely move on to alternatives.
And Kolo Muani could then come under consideration, with the club keeping tabs on the Frankfurt star as they look to strengthen their attack.
Meanwhile, a seasoned scout recently warned United over a deal for Hojlund.
“We looked at Hojlund some time ago when he was coming through the Danish international age groups and while he was at Copenhagen and Sturm Graz,” they told The Mirror. “He was worth a punt but the money being asked now would represent a much greater risk.
“He’s still unproven and the Premier League is a very unforgiving place especially if you’re in a Manchester United shirt.
“He’s left footed, strong and powerful so inevitably there will be some comparisons with Haaland but he’s not in his league. Haaland is a generational talent.
“Hojlund’s stats don’t come anywhere near Haaland and his finishing can be erratic.”
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