Man Utd identify Rasmus Hojlund alternative after fee issues

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 25 Jul 2023 16:56 BST
4 min read

Man Utd are unwilling to pay more than £60 million for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund and so have identified Randal Kolo Muani as an alternative.

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Man Utd are in talks with the Serie A outfit over a move for the Denmark international but are not willing to meet Atalanta’s valuation, reported to be £86 million.

Erik ten Hag has pinpointed Hojlund as one of his main targets but he is not the only player the Dutchman deems suitable for that position, reports The Telegraph.

Indeed, there are also talks taking place with Eintracht Frankfurt over 24-year-old Kolo Muani - while it’s thought Ten Hag also has a firm interest in Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus.

Kudus, who has also been linked with a move to Chelsea and Arsenal, plays a slightly deeper role, but the club have stressed that their next addition does not have to be a traditional No.9.

© ProShots - Erik ten Hag has other targets in mind

Erik ten Hag’s looks to other targets

The club’s stance at the moment is that they would not be challenging Bayern Munich for the £100 million-rated Harry Kane, despite him being the ideal signing for Ten Hag.

The club have a budget and are reportedly not willing to stretch it more than is needed.

FootballTransfers revealed that Hojlund agreed personal terms with Man Utd and that Ten Hag sees him more of a versatile attacker than an outright No.9 - a position they will look to secure later in the window.

After signing either Hojlund or Kolo Muani the club will aim to secure the signing of Sofyan Amrabat. After which, they will prioritise signing a No.9 to lead the attacker, but the money spent will have to come from player sales this window. It’s thought that West Ham have made a verbal offer for Scott McTominay, while other players are thought to be up for sale as well.