Manchester United 'preparing improved £40m bid for Rasmus Hojlund'

Manchester United are reportedly lining up an improved £40m bid for Rasmus Hojlund, having seen their opening offer for the Atalanta BC striker turned down.

The 20-year-old has seemingly emerged as the club's leading choice at centre-forward this summer, with deals for Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane or Napoli's Victor Osimhen seen as incredibly unlikely.

Hojlund made the move to Atalanta from Sturm Graz last summer, and he enjoyed a productive 2022-23 campaign for his Italian club, scoring 10 goals and registering four assists in 34 appearances.

Man United head coach Erik ten Hag is said to be a huge admirer of the Denmark international, who started his professional career with Copenhagen.

The 20-time English champions are said to have had an opening offer of £30m turned down by Atalanta, who have the in-demand striker on a contract until June 2027.

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However, according to The Sun, Man United are now preparing a second offer of £40m, with the club determined to secure his signature during the summer market.

The report claims that the Red Devils have been quoted £150m for Osimhen, while Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is unlikely to allow Kane to move to a domestic rival.

Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani is also likely to be too expensive at around £80m, with Hojlund seemingly the most affordable target in the final third of the field.

The youngster, who has scored six goals in five appearances for Denmark, scored nine goals and registered four assists in 32 Serie A appearances last season.

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Man United are close to signing Mason Mount from Chelsea for an initial £55m, and there have been claims that there is only £65m to spend on a new striker at this stage, unless there are some first-team sales.

Anthony Martial is currently being linked with an exit, although the Red Devils are short in the final third of the field, with Wout Weghorst returning to Burnley following a loan spell.

Man United head coach Ten Hag is also believed to be keen to move both Fred and Scott McTominay on, while club captain Harry Maguire is another player expected to depart.

The 20-time English champions are also currently being linked with Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, although a move for the France international could depend on whether Fred and McTominay leave.