Manchester United appear to have taken the lead to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund this summer after Karim Benzema committed to a new Real Madrid contract.
It was reported that United and the Spanish giants were the two clubs who have made an approach to Atalanta for their Danish striker. Hojlund has impressed in his debut season in Bergamo having joined from Sturm Graz last summer.
Hojlund is on a six-man striker shortlist at Old Trafford this summer with the club prioritising the addition of a central striker. Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, who prefers to play from the left, are the only two senior strikers on United’s books.
A number of clubs are monitoring Hojlund’s progress this season but only United and Madrid have shown their intentions of a potential summer transfer, as per B.T. in his native nation. However, Erik ten Hag would be able to offer the striker more first-team opportunities.
At Real Madrid, Benzema turned down a lucrative offer to move to Saudi Arabia as he opts to stay in European football. The striker remains a key player for the Spanish giants and was crowned as the Ballon d'Or winner last year – and starts every match for the club when available.
Benzema, 35, has bagged 25 goals and counting this campaign as he has once again spearheaded the attack of Carlo Ancelotti’s side. They appear set to relinquish their La Liga crown but are in the Copa del Rey final and the last four of the Champions League – for the 11th time in 13 seasons.
Have Your Say! Would Hojlund be a good signing for Man Utd? Tell us what you think here.
He has agreed to renew his existing contract in the Spanish capital for 12 months through to the summer of 2024, at which point Brazilian teenage striking sensation Endrick will join the club. Despite his tender years, it is believed the Spanish club see him as having the potential to be first-team ready upon his signing.
United will direct the majority of their transfer budget this summer into bolstering their strike-force. Harry Kane from Tottenham and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen are said to be their preferred targets, but the price tag of both players may make them unaffordable.
Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos and Mohammed Kudus, whom Ten Hag coached at Ajax, are also under consideration. Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani is another potential target, but a move for Hojlund may be the most economically feasible if there is no direct competition from elsewhere.
