Man Utd “remain focused” on sealing a deal for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, despite reports suggesting renewed interest in Harry Kane.
After signing Mason Mount from Chelsea and Andre Onana from Inter Milan, the Red Devils are now desperate to add a new striker to their ranks this summer.
Erik ten Hag is still looking to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, seven months after he left for Al Nassr, with Wout Weghorst temporarily filling the gap for the second half of last season.
Ten Hag had hoped to sign Kane earlier in the summer before it became obvious that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy had no intention of signing of selling to a Premier League rival, especially Man Utd.
However, fresh reports last night that Tottenham owner Joe Lewis has ordered Levy to sell Kane, unless he can tie him down to a new deal, with the England international out of contract next summer.
That has seen Man Utd linked with Kane again but Romano insists Atalanta’s Hojlund is still their number one target.
Romano tweeted on Sunday evening: “Manchester United remain focused on Rasmus Højlund as new striker at this stage — despite recent stories around Harry Kane. #MUFC Opening bid for Højlund, coming soon after personal terms agreed.”
And Romano is expecting Man Utd to beat PSG to the signing of Hojlund with the Red Devils currently seen as “favourites” to land the Denmark international.
Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “As I revealed ten days ago, PSG are also interested in Rasmus Hojlund. They are having conversations but they haven’t sent a bid – they are very well informed on his situation, and this is why Manchester United want to act fast and should make an opening bid for the striker soon. United are ahead in the race because they have an agreement with Hojlund on personal terms, he’s said yes to their contract proposal.
“Details on the bid will arrive once the bid will be submitted; for sure, Man United want to send the proposal soon and they want to accelerate as PSG are still interested and speaking to the player’s camp. The priority for Hojlund is very clear: Manchester United. PSG would only bid if United will be slow in negotiations with Atalanta. At the moment, it’s between these two club and no other one.
“United are the favourites, but they know they need to be fast to close this deal. The next week should be a really important stage to make the deal happen. So far there have only been conversations over possibly including players like Fred in the deal, but soon there will be an official bid.
“Atalanta are already moving to find a replacement for Hojlund because they feel they can find an agreement with United. I can’t predict if this will be done in the next week, but it’s certainly United’s plan to advance things in the coming week.”
