Manchester United have reportedly now made their first 'verbal proposal' for Atalanta BC centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund, with the Red Devils determined to secure his signature.
The 20-year-old scored 10 goals and registered four assists in 34 appearances for his Italian outfit during the 2022-23 campaign after making the move from Sturm Graz.
Hojlund has emerged as Man United's leading attacking target this summer despite the club being heavily linked with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane and Napoli's Victor Osimhen.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 20-time English champions have now made their first verbal bid, with a €50m (£42.8m) fixed fee plus €10m (£8.6m) add-ons being offered to Atalanta.
Romano claims that the Italian side are looking for at least €70m (£59.9m) for the Denmark international, meaning that the Red Devils could be left frustrated.
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Paris Saint-Germain are allegedly attempting to hijack Man United's move, but the forward is said to have already agreed personal terms with Erik ten Hag's side.
The Red Devils will be back in the Champions League next season, but they have already spent over £100m to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea and Andre Onana from Inter Milan this summer.
The rules surrounding Financial Fair Play also mean that Man United will not be able to be free-spending during the current window, with players needing to depart in order to further strengthen the squad.
Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek are all currently being linked with exits, while there remains uncertainty surrounding the futures of Harry Maguire and Anthony Martial despite Ten Hag recently stating that he wants to keep both players at Old Trafford.
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Speaking earlier this week, the Man United head coach said that his club were 'making progress' in their bid to bring a new centre-forward to the club.
Cristiano Ronaldo's departure at the end of last year left the Red Devils short of options in the final third, and Wout Weghorst's loan move to the club did not prove to be successful.
As well as Kane and Osimhen, Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but a deal for the France international is unlikely.
Man United's first team are currently preparing to face Real Madrid on Wednesday evening before ending their pre-season tour of the United States against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday.
Atalanta will now assess the alleged offer from the Red Devils before issuing a response, although it is likely that they will determine that the bid is not high enough at a relatively early stage.
Matt Law
