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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matthew Cooper

Erik ten Hag's clever transfer tactic hands Man Utd crucial upper hand in striker search

Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.

Manager Erik ten Hag is keen to strengthen United's forward options, with Marcus Rashford the only player to score more than 10 Premier League goals this season. The Red Devils have opened talks with Atalanta over a move for Hojlund, 20, who only joined the Serie A side last summer.

Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini has been impressed by Hojlund in his debut season and admitted it "would be impossible to reject" and approach from "top European clubs". He said: "I haven't seen so many strikers as good as Hojlund at 20.

"He can improve a lot, he's great. Top European clubs are always attentive to this kind of top talents. There could be some huge bid for him that would be impossible to reject for us."

And the Athletic are reporting that Hojlund has switched representatives in anticipation of a move in the near future, joining the SEG Agency which also represents Ten Hag. SEG's co-founder Kees Voss has a close relationship with Ten Hag and regularly watches United at Old Trafford.

Voss was in attendance for United's final Premier League game against Fulham last month and was spotted having dinner with Ten Hag and former Red Devils striker Robin van Persie, who he also represents, back in December.

Man Utd are eyeing a deal for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund (Getty Images)

The fact that he is now guiding Hojlund's career may well boost United's chances of signing him, with the report stating that the Danish international is seen as more 'likelier' to make the move to Old Trafford than fellow target Randal Kolo Muani.

Tottenham star Harry Kane remains Ten Hag's top target, but United are looking to sign two strikers this summer. Ten Hag is keen to bring in an experienced striker like Kane and a younger prospect like Hojlund who can develop into a first-team regular, particularly with United now back in the Champions League.

United have also been linked with a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, but club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has insisted he will not sanction a move for the Nigerian international. "I will not sell Victor Osimhen this summer - no way!" De Laurentiis told Rai Sport.

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