Christian Eriksen has revealed he “can see” Rasmus Hojlund at Manchester United as club officials mull over an £86m deal.
The Red Devils have been linked with the Atalanta forward for a few weeks, with Erik ten Hag keen to bolster his forward options this summer. Harry Kane was the Dutchman’s prime target but United have been forced to abandon their pursuit of the Spurs star due to Daniel Levy’s demands.
A number of alternatives have been identified including Victor Osimhen, Goncalo Ramos and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. Hojlund also ranks highly up that list after an impressive debut campaign in Italy.
The 20-year-old has also caught the eye of his Danish teammate Eriksen, who thinks that the striker has what it takes to be a success at Old Trafford. Speaking to Ekstra Bladet whilst on international duty, the playmaker said: "I can see him [Hojlund] at Manchester United, but I haven't recommended him to Erik ten Hag.
"He is a fantastic guy and a good player and has really developed brilliantly at Atalanta. What the club ends up doing, I will not be able to answer."
Eriksen added: "It's a club where there's a huge amount of attention because everyone has an attitude towards Manchester United. I had tried a lot when I came to the club.
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“So I knew a little bit about what size the club was. For younger players who come to the club, it can be really difficult, because the club is the size it is now."
Whilst Eriksen would be a big fan of playing alongside Hojlund at Old Trafford, a deal looks tricky to complete. Reports have suggested that Atalanta will only sell the striker for around £86m - a huge increase on the £14.5m that they bought him for from Sturm Graz only 12 months ago.
United’s spending this summer is set to be hampered due to new UEFA laws that limits their total outlay of 90% of their total income on transfers. That will still be the case regardless of whether the Glazers are replaced at the helm.
It appears unlikely then that United will want to spend a huge amount on just one player, particularly with Ten Hag keen to strengthen in a number of positions ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Hojlund, still with four years on his contract, has already spoken out on United’s interest.
Speaking earlier this month, he said: "It is a huge club, so I must have done something right if it’s rumoured they want me. We have to see what happens.
“As you see and hear, I imagine a lot could happen to quite a few strikers this summer, as many clubs are looking for a no9. Something will definitely happen there, and then we’ll have to wait and see if I am included in it.
"I am very happy to be with Atalanta and we have qualified for Europe. I have found myself in a really good place here, so now we have to wait and see."
