Manchester United are stepping up their interest in Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.
United boss Erik ten Hag has made Tottenham striker Harry Kane his No 1 target - but Spurs are determined not to sell to a Premier League rival. That has left United looking at other options and Denmark centre forward Hojlund is quickly emerging as a leading candidate and is available for around £40m.
Hojlund, 20, has earned comparisons to Erling Haaland because of his powerful 6ft 1in frame and he has also scored 15 goals in his first season in Italy with Atalanta. United are likely to face competition as there is interest from other Premier League clubs including Chelsea.
Hojlund is represented by the SEG agency who also look after ten Hag which could be an advantage. The former FC Copenhagen and Sturm Graz striker has only been at Atalanta for less than a year and joined the Italian club for £15m last August.
But his progress has been remarkable and has already scored a hat trick for his country, netting three against Finland in a Euro 2024 qualifier. United have certainly not given up on Kane but they know Spurs do not want to sell and Real Madrid are also keen this summer. Meanwhile, Kane may also want to see out his contract and be a free agent next summer.
United are also interested in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani. But the interest in Hojlund will only be strengthened by the belief that Atalanta could be ready to let him leave this summer.
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With Marcus Rashford the only United player to hit double figures this season, Ten Hag is intent on boosting his forward options ahead of a return to Champions League football. Anthony Martial is set to be sold to make room in his squad, although that development could be affected by the Frenchman's latest injury blow.
But the Dutch boss is still in the dark over what funds will be available for his summer spending spree. With the transfer window opening on June 14, the takeover process that has long hung over Old Trafford is showing no signs of a conclusion.
The Glazer family are considering bids from both Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim, with Ineos chief Ratcliffe the reported front runner. Avram Glazer was at Wembley for United's FA Cup final defeat to Man City on Saturday, but after the game refused to answer questions on the potential sale.
