MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 10: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Diogo Dalot, Mason Greenwood, Harry Maguire, Angel Gomes, Daniel James, Tahith Chong, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Nemanja Matic, Brandon Williams, Fred of Manchester United in action during a training session at Aon Training Complex on January 10, 2020 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United have failed to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund with a part-exchange deal involving several players, The Athletic report.
The Red Devils have identified the 20-year-old as one of their priority targets for the summer transfer window, but they face a difficult task to sign him.
United recently floated the idea of swap deals plus money for Hojlund, with several players up for sale. Separate loans were also suggested to Atalanta.
However, the Serie A outfit remain adamant that they want only cash for their prized asset. They have set a staggering €100 million (£86m) price tag on him.
United deem the asking price to be ‘excessive’, and are prepared to look at alternatives such as Randal Kolo Muani if they can’t reach a compromise
United won’t pay over the odds for Hojlund
Hojlund joined Atalanta from Sturm Graz in late August last year. He had a decent campaign in Italy with 10 goals and four assists from 34 appearances.
His tally could have been higher with more consistent game time. The 20-year-old required half of the season to adapt, and only became a regular from January.
If he has a pre-season with United for example, the Dane has the potential to become a consistent goalscorer. He definitely has the talent, but not worthy of €100m.
United are clear that they won’t spend over the odds for any player. It is left to be seen whether Atalanta lower their valuation for the young striker in the near future.
The club can’t afford to ponder over Hojlund for long, given they are off for the pre-season tour of the United States next week. It is a key part of their preparation.
Hojlund, who managed 16 goals and seven assists at club level last season, is keen on a move to Old Trafford, but United can’t spend the entire summer trying to convince Atalanta.
