Manchester United have agreed basic personal terms with Rasmus Hojlund and have spoken to Atalanta about a transfer, however, their assessments of the striker differ.
United is looking for a frontman after adding Mason Mount to their midfield and the expected arrival of goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Hojlund is the priority target but other options are under consideration, including Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani, with whom United is holding parallel discussions.
Hojlund has signaled his desire to leave Atalanta, with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain also interested.
Atalanta had earlier asked for €100 million (£85.5 million, $112 million) for the 20-year-old, but latest reports claim they want €70 million (£60 million, $78.7 million) plus €10 million in add-ons. However, prospective buyers will be hoping to negotiate a cheaper price with the Italian club.
The requirement to adhere to financial fair play is expected to have an influence on United’s quest, and they will most likely need to generate funds through sales before completing any significant acquisition.
It was easy to see Hojlund’s physical and aerial presence. For Atalanta, his speed and dribbling prowess on the counterattack were especially outstanding.
The Dane still needs to work on his finishing, but with time and experience that should happen.
Unproven strikers should not be paid €70 million, thus United will attempt to negotiate a lower asking price in the coming days. He was open to multiple bids.
The club has been successful in negotiating lower prices than the asking prices for Mount and Onana, and it will try to do the same for Hojlund.