Manchester United 'advancing on deal for Rasmus Hojlund'

Manchester United are reportedly currently in 'direct talks' with Atalanta BC over a potential deal for their number one attacking target Rasmus Hojlund.

The 20-year-old scored 10 goals and registered four assists in 34 appearances for Atalanta last season following his arrival from Sturm Graz.

Hojlund has another four years left to run on his contract, but he is widely expected to be on the move this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain also competing for his signature.

Man United are believed to have launched an opening bid for the Denmark international earlier this week, allegedly offering €50m (£42.8m) plus €10m (£8.6m) in add-ons.

Meanwhile, PSG's bid for the youngster is said to be €50m (£43m), with both clubs thought to have already agreed personal terms with him ahead of a potential move.

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Despite the presence of the French champions, Man United are widely thought to be in the driving seat, with Hojlund making it clear that he wants to move to Old Trafford.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 20-time English champions are currently in 'direct talks' with Atalanta in the hope of reaching an agreement.

The Red Devils are said to be 'attacking the deal' and now making progress, with a full agreement between the two clubs thought to be closer than it was earlier this week.

A recent report claimed that Erik ten Hag's side could secure his signature before the end of the weekend, although Atalanta have allegedly set their own valuation of €70m (£60m) plus bonuses.

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Man United head coach Ten Hag again reiterated the importance of a new forward arriving at Old Trafford in the aftermath of Wednesday's 2-0 loss to Real Madrid.

Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have largely played through the middle during pre-season, with Anthony Martial not yet fully recovering from the hamstring issue that saw him miss the end of last term.

Martial is expected to stay this summer unless another forward arrives alongside Hojlund, which is unlikely at this stage, with a holding midfielder set to be targeted once the striker situation has been addressed.

Man United have allegedly agreed to pay £30m for Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat, with Fred and Donny van de Beek widely expected to be on the move in the near future.

The 20-time English champions will round off their pre-season tour of the United States against German giants Borussia Dortmund on Sunday night.