Fabrizio Romano reveals next Man Utd signing is close with official offer lodged; star snubs giant rival bid from Euro powerhouses
Manchester United are inching ever closer towards the signing of Rasmus Hojlund after the Red Devils made a first verbal offer to Atalanta – and the star shunned a significant counteroffer to move to another side.
The Red Devils are determined to add a new striker to their mix this summer having already brought in a new midfielder, in Mason Mount and an elite new goalkeeper in Andre Onana this summer.
And while goals were not in short supply last season, United had too strong a reliance on Marcus Rashford, who led the way with 30 notches to his name.
Indeed, with Bruno Fernandes the only other United star to break into double figures, Ten Hag has made the addition of a new No 9 one of his major priorities this summer.
And after both Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen were rated as too difficult or too expensive signings to make, the Red Devils have arrowed in on Hojlund’s services.
To that end, United have set the wheels in motion for a deal by already agreeing personal terms with the striker.
The Danish striker has reportedly agreed terms on a five-year deal at Old Trafford to 2028, with the option of an extra season. Pocketing an estimated £80,000 a week at Old Trafford, the 20-year-old will earn a 700% increase on his current salary in Italy.
That just leaves United the small factor of striking a deal with Atalanta. The Bergamo-based side, however, have indicated they could be seeking a fee of up to €100m for his services.
However, as Fabrizio Romano has revealed, United’s first offer for the striker is for some distance below that.
Rasmus Hojlund: Man Utd target turns down PSG offer
Providing details on United’s offer, Romano tweeted: “Understand Manchester United sent first verbal proposal to Atalanta for Rasmus Hojlund for €60m package.
“Bid structure is €50m fixed fee plus €10m add-ons. Atalanta always wanted at least €70m fee.”
At this stage, it’s not yet known if United’s proposal will be met, though by all accounts, the Italians are determined to hold out for €70m. As a result, United will likely have to increase their bid before reaching agreement with Atalanta.
And it seems like only a straight cash deal only will convince them to deal, with Atalanta already making it clear they have no plans to accept either Amad Diallo or Mason Greenwood as part of the deal.
Atalanta’s response to the offer is likely to become clear in the coming hours.
However, there remains a confidence from all parties that a deal will be agreed.
And so determined is Hojlund to join United that he is also ready to turn down rival approaches to move to Old Trafford.
To that end, Romano claims PSG are also stepping up their bid to gazump United to his signature.
“PSG keep insisting with Hojlund’s camp – Man Utd already agreed terms,” Romano explained.
Providing more details, Sky Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio claims Hojlund has already made it clear he wants United over the French giants.
And while PSG are ready to offer the 20-year-old a bigger package, it seems his mind is made up.
Via Sky Sports, Di Marzio writes: ‘The Atalanta striker, who has openly spoken about growing up as a Man Utd fan, has reportedly turned down PSG’s contract offer which is more than the Premier League club are offering.
‘Hojlund reportedly has eyes only for Man Utd.’
United closing on new striker signing
The move for Hojlund is now reaching a crunch period. And as Di Marzio explains, United should know soon enough whether the Dane will become signing number three of the summer window.
Claiming the deal now faces a “decisive week”, Di Marzio explains that it is likely the two clubs will ultimately settle on a €70m fee, though he does state Atalanta will try and push for €80m, including bonuses.
Ten Hag, meanwhile, kept his counsel when asked about United’s push to sign a new striker.
However, speaking from the USA where United are on tour, he did admit that, in an ideal world, a deal would already have been agreed.
“We make progress, yeah,” Ten Hag said when asked about United’s pursuit of a striker. “But you know how it works – when we have him, we will tell you directly.
“The only thing I can say is we do everything that’s in our power to get that done. If it was up to me, yeah, as soon as possible. The earlier the better because we have to integrate him in the team, the way of play.
“In an ideal situation, he was already here but you do not always get ideal situations as a manager and you have to deal with the situation.”
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