Manchester United have reportedly come up with a creative solution to find a breakthrough in negotiations for Rasmus Hojlund having previously seen their two bids turned down by Atalanta.
With Erik ten Hag keen on a new striker for the forthcoming season, United formalized their pursuit of the Danish international by launching multiple offers.
United’s football director John Murtough is moving cautiously in the transfer market this summer due to uncertainty over the club’s transfer budget amid the ongoing takeover process. As such, it’s unlikely the club’s hierarchy will agree to meet Atalanta’s reported asking price of £68m for the 20-year-old forward.
Accordingly, Murtough is considering using Mason Greenwood as a possible makeweight to convince Atalanta to part ways with their prized asset for a lower fee. As per The Daily Mail, United’s football director has discussed the idea of the Englishman moving to Serie A on a temporary basis during his talks over Hojlund.
The Bergamo-based side would need a new goal-scorer in the event Hojlund, who scored nine goals in 32 league appearances last term, departs. Gian Piero Gasperini could do a lot worse than replacing the youngster with Greenwood.
Meanwhile, United would also welcome a short-term solution to their conundrum regarding what to do with the controversial forward, who still has two years left on his £75,000 a week contract.
In Hojlund, Ten Hag will get his hands on a front-man, who could be a potent threat in transition due to his sheer pace and strength – the traits which have also invited comparisons with Erling Haaland of Manchester City.
“As I’ve said many times before, I would not like to compare myself to him because he’s a monster, he’s crazy!,” the former Sturm Graz talent said in an interview with the Austrian Bundesliga while reacting to the suggestions (via The Athletic).
“I can see the similarities: he’s fast, I’m also fast; he’s left-footed, I’m also left-footed; he’s strong and I’m strong, too. I hope that I can reach his level, but I’ll need to train very hard and be even more focused on the pitch.”
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