Atalanta has informed Manchester United that they are only interested in a cash transaction for Rasmus Hojlund.
The Red Devils are expected to increase their interest in the teenage forward once they have concluded a deal for Andre Onana, although discussions are likely to be tricky. Erik ten Hag has a limited summer budget but is eager to bring in extra weapons.
Despite having played less than 100 senior games, Hojlund is regarded as a long-term investment. He scored nine goals last season and also shone on the international scene for Denmark, so Atalanta will not let him go cheap. According to the Telegraph, the concept of a player exchange deal was promptly rejected.
Mason Greenwood, whose future at United is uncertain, has been mentioned as a potential makeweight, moving to Italy on loan.
Because of Atalanta’s opposition, United will have to come up with big money to sign the Dane, who is valued at £86 million. That is more than they have left in their summer budget, and the club is said to consider that charge excessive.
Earlier this summer, Harry Kane was listed as a priority target, but they have since dropped their pursuit of the Tottenham forward. The England star has only a year left on his contract, but his club is hesitant to move him, and United is aware of the challenges in negotiating with Daniel Levy.
Marcus Rashford is ready to sign a rich new long-term contract that will lock him in for his prime years. Last season, the forward was United’s main source of goals, breaking multiple records and surpassing the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career.
However, he lacked support, notably from his forward comrades. Anthony Martial continues to underwhelm at Manchester, and despite the club’s openness to bids, the Frenchman, who will be free to go next summer, has failed to draw any interest.
Jadon Sancho, who joined Borussia Dortmund two years ago, is trying to replicate his Bundesliga success. Ten Hag sent him to a one-on-one program last term, but he has yet to see any results from the Englishman since his return.
Everton are among those interested in Anthony Elanga, who has been used sparingly. Last season, he, Sancho, and Martial combined for just 16 goals. Other than Rashford, Bruno Fernandes was the only player to reach double figures, emphasizing their struggles in the final third.