Manchester United are set to open formal talks with Atalanta over a deal for Rasmus Hojlund but it appears they have already seen a verbal swap deal offer rejected.
According to reports, Atalanta turned down the opportunity to acquire three Manchester United players in exchange for Rasmus Hojlund. Erik ten Hag’s next aim is the Denmark international striker, and there is hope that he will follow Mason Mount and Andre Onana out the door in the upcoming weeks before the 2023–24 season.
Although United have not made an official offer, it is believed that they have spoken with Atalanta about the 20-year-old frontman.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United made a rough suggestion to the Italian team to sign three players as part of the package.
Although the players’ identities have not been revealed, it is thought that Donny van de Beek was one of the names that were being considered.
However, it’s important to note that Atalanta rejected the offer since they would rather pay one of Europe’s top prospects outright cash this summer.
They are now expecting an initial offer for United, and they need up to £60 million to reach an agreement on a sale.
After concluding the acquisition of new No. 1 Onana from Inter Milan, United are now anticipated to begin talks with the Serie A team in the upcoming days.
Now that a deal between the clubs has been completed, Onana will arrive in Manchester on Tuesday at around 7 p.m. to complete his transfer.
After bidding farewell to Inter’s training facility over the previous several days, Onana is scheduled to have a medical, and it is hoped that he will be fit to board United’s flight to the United States for their preseason tour.
After spending more than £100 million on the double acquisition of Mount and Onana, Ten Hag is currently operating on a tight budget. If Atalanta play hardball, additional sales may be required.
Dean Henderson is wanted by Nottingham Forest, and United anticipates receiving at least £20 million for the England custodian.
That sum might be immediately reinvested in Ten Hag’s striker fund and the transfer fund.
Atalanta is likely to create a challenge in discussions because they are aware that United are in severe need of a striker.
In addition, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have been keeping tabs on Hojlund, suggesting that Atalanta may be considering a bidding war.
Hojlund discussed his passion for United in a June interview when discussing connections to Old Trafford.
He told the Danish media, “It’s a big club. So, if it’s true what people say about me, I must have done something good. We need to wait and see.
“As you can see and hear, I think quite a few strikers could experience a lot of change this summer, as many clubs are searching for a No. 9.
We’ll have to wait to find out if I’m involved in whatever happens there, but we can be sure that something will happen there.
