Man Utd and Real Madrid step up Hojlund chase with 'letter of interest'

Suraj Radia

• 20 Apr 2023 14:02 BST
• 2 min read

Rasmus Hojlund has been touted as the brightest prospect to come out of Scandinavia since Erling Haaland, prompting interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United in the Atalanta forward.

Hojlund has impressed in his first season with the Italian side, having joined them last summer for €17 million, netting seven goals in 16 Serie A starts.

The 20-year-old attracted attention recently after scoring five goals in two internationals for Denmark and reports in his homeland have claimed that some of Europe’s biggest sides are courting Hojlund.

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BT in Denmark state that United and Real have submitted a ‘letter of interest’ for the striker, with the notion that he is one of three to five players being considered by the clubs.

While the letter is not binding in any way or an indicator that they are the favourites to sign Hojlund, the clubs are looking to be kept informed of developments surrounding the Dane.

Hojlund is currently in the process of hiring a new agent and will only then consider interest from other teams, with Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona and Bayern Munich among the sides believed to be in the hunt to sign him this summer.

Hojlund – the new Haaland being eyed up by Europe’s elite

Hojlund has four years remaining on his contract with Atalanta and the Italian side will require some convincing to part ways with their talisman so soon after his arrival.

The giant striker has drawn comparisons to Haaland due to his 6’4 stature and ability with his left foot, with many interested teams eyeing Hojlund as a long-term option up front.

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Strikers have been somewhat of a rarity on the market in recent seasons, meaning the presence of a young, well-rounded and talented forward with his best years ahead of him is bound to command considerable interest.

United in particular are believed to have scouted Hojlund extensively and, with Erik ten Hag’s side in the market for a forward in his mould, they could test Atalanta’s resolve with a bid in excess of €50m this summer.