Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly held multiple video calls with Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund as he looks to secure a new striker for the club. The Red Devils have made signing a proven goalscorer their top priority this summer and want Tottenham contract rebel Harry Kane as their top choice. However, there are increasing fears that Spurs will not sell even if they receive an offer in excess of £100million, despite the 29-year-old being out of contract next year when he can leave for nothing. This has seen United look for alternatives, with football director John Murtough exploring moves for both Hojlund and Frankfurt frontman Randal Kolo Muani.
Ten Hag has been impressed with Hojlund and feels he is an attainable target, while he could also serve as an understudy to a more senior striker – such as Kane, if Spurs were convinced to sell. Interestingly, SEG International agency – who represent Ten Hag – are also trying to acquire Hojlund as a client, which could make talks even smoother. Atalanta are thought to be prepared to cash in for a reasonable fee, having only spent around £14million on the striker when he signed from Austrian club Sturm Graz in August of last year.
Hojlund has been likened to Erling Haaland with his massive frame and electric pace and he netted eight times from 19 starts in his first season in Serie A. He has also shone for Denmark since being called up to the senior team, scoring a hat-trick against Finland in March and following that up with a brace against Kazakhstan a few days later. Ten Hag has previously intimated that he has already spoken to some of United’s summer targets, saying last month that many quality players are keen to join the project due to the ambition and quality of the club.