Manchester United are confident about a deal to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund this summer with Amad potentially returning to the Serie A club on a season-long loan deal as part of the move.
United are ramping up their pursuit of Denmark international Hojlund. The Red Devils are intent on signing a new central striker this summer following the expiration of Wout Weghorst's loan arrangement – leaving Anthony Martial as the only recognised senior player in that position, with the Frenchman’s future at Old Trafford unclear.
Hojlund has impressed in his debut season in Bergamo having joined from Sturm Graz last summer. He bagged nine goals in Serie A while also impressing for his nation in the European Championships qualifiers.
United entered this season prioritising the signing of a central striker but that has since taken a back seat. Attack-minded midfielder Mason Mount completed his move to Old Trafford with the Red Devils paying an initial £55m plus up to £5m in add-ons for the England international.
The next arrival will be that of Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana. The signing of a new goalkeeper took precedence due to David de Gea’s form in the closing weeks of the campaign with the Spaniard subsequently leaving the club at the end of his contract.
It is understood that boss Erik ten Hag prefers a move for Hojlund over Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani. United transfer chiefs believed Harry Kane was unattainable this summer while the price tag of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen was prohibitive.
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Yet due to their spending on Onana and Mount, coupled with no sales from the first-team squad as yet, funds for Hojlund are not yet available. As part of their negotiations with Atalanta, Sky Sports claim that Amad could be offered to the Serie A side on loan.
Amad excelled on loan at Sunderland last season in the Championship, netting 14 goals. United signed him from Atalanta three years ago and while Ten Hag will not rule out his loan return to Bergamo, he wants to first evaluate the Ivorian in pre-season.
United are well-stocked in the right-sided attacking position with Antony occupying the role, while Jadon Sancho and Facundo Pellistri also occupied the role at different points last season. Amad would play a role at United next season, but another season on loan has not been ruled out.
