Manchester United Nears Deal for Atalanta Striker Rasmus Hojlund, Outbidding Paris St-Germain with £43m Offer - Latest Updates

Atalanta and Manchester United are moving closer to reaching an agreement for striker Rasmus Hojlund, according to sources at We News.

Both clubs are currently negotiating a compromise regarding the transfer fee. Atalanta is believed to value the player at €70m, with additional add-ons based on performance.

Atalanta's significant progress lies in their nearing completion of a transfer agreement for forward El Bilal Toure from Almeria. The Mali international is currently undergoing a medical examination following the clubs' agreement on a substantial £26.5m deal.

Although United remains optimistic about securing a deal for Hojlund well before the start of the upcoming season, they are considering alternative options in case the transfer cannot be finalized.

United is aware of PSG's interest in Hojlund, as they made a bid of €50m recently. However, United is pleased to know that Hojlund wants to join their team. The 20-year-old has no problems with the personal terms of the deal. However, there is still a difference in valuation, as Atalanta is seeking £59.8m (€70m) plus £8.5m (€10m) in add-ons.

Paris Saint-Germain has submitted a £43m (€50m) bid, however, Manchester United remains resolute in their approach despite interest from other clubs. In previous deals involving Mason Mount and Andre Onana, the club has demonstrated their commitment to staying within their designated budget for this summer's transfer activities.

Considering financial fair play restrictions and a firm determination to adhere to their predefined price range, Manchester United has thus far exhibited reluctance in exceeding a £51m (€60m) package offer.

They do, however, enjoy a strong rapport with the Serie A team following talks involving Amad Diallo, and have been consistently communicating with their counterparts to find a middle ground regarding the fee for Hojlund.

Both clubs are making progress towards reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. United acknowledges that Hojlund has more room for growth rather than being the complete player, but they have faith in Erik ten Hag's coaching abilities to shape him into a top-tier player.

If the Denmark international is recruited, it is likely that Marcus Rashford will have to fill in as the main attacking option for Manchester United until Hojlund settles in and gains more experience. In the long term, the club views Hojlund as a player who could eventually reach world-class status under Ten Hag.

Fortunately, United won't have to offload players to fund Hojlund's purchase. Instead, they are relying on significant sales during the summer transfer window and in January to ensure they maintain the necessary financial balance.

While the club remains optimistic about finalizing a deal, they have also been engaging in parallel negotiations for Randal Kolo Muani from Eintracht Frankfurt as an alternative option. Additionally, Manchester United has invested significant effort in pursuing Mohammed Kudus from Ajax, who is known for his versatility, along with at least one other potential target. The club aims to avoid a protracted transfer process and ensure they have enough attacking power at the beginning of the season.

PSG, meanwhile, are keen to sign a striker and believe they are "in the mix" to sign Harry Kane this summer if Tottenham decide to sell the England captain.

Ten Hag: Real Madrid defeat shows why Man Utd need a striker

Erik ten Hag asserts that Manchester United's 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in a friendly match highlighted their urgent requirement for a new striker. Despite having their own opportunities, United failed to convert any of their 14 attempts, a recurring issue that plagued them in the previous season.

Ten Hag confirmed that the attacking performance in Texas clearly highlighted the need to acquire a new striker. He added that there were two specific areas that required improvement: the pressing from the beginning and the ability to score goals.

We need players who excel in one-on-one situations, and we have seen instances of this. Rashford, McTominay, and Garnacho have all found themselves in one-on-one scenarios. It is essential to convert these opportunities into goals.

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