Real Madrid 'monitoring Rasmus Hojlund's form at Manchester United'

Real Madrid are reportedly keeping a close eye on Rasmus Hojlund's form this season, with the club considering him as an alternative to Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe and Manchester City's Erling Haaland.

Los Blancos are widely expected to sign Mbappe on a free transfer this summer, although it is believed that his French club are yet to give up full hope of convincing him to sign another new contract.

Haaland's future is also the subject of much speculation, with the capital giants said to be long-term admirers of the Norway international, who is believed to be keen to play in Spain before the end of his career.

According to Defensa Central, should Real Madrid be unable to sign either Mbappe or Haaland, the club could switch their attention to Hojlund.

The Denmark international has scored 11 goals and registered two assists in 29 appearances for Manchester United during the 2023-24 campaign.

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Hojlund made a slow start to his Red Devils career, but he has now scored five times and registered two assists in his last five Premier League appearances.

The 21-year-old also struck against Newport County at the end of January, with all of his domestic goals for the club coming since Boxing Day.

The Dane impressed in the group stage of the Champions League, meanwhile, netting five times in six appearances, including a goal against Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena.

Hojlund arrived at Man United last summer off the back of scoring 10 goals and registering four assists in 34 matches for Atalanta BC, so he has already bettered his total from last season.

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The 20-time English champions are likely to strongly resist any interest which might arrive for Hojlund, with the striker seen as a vital part of the club's plans moving forward.

Man United are expected to add another striker to their squad this summer, though, with Anthony Martial set to depart on a free transfer.

The Red Devils must decide whether to bring in a big-money centre-forward who would potentially be the number one, or sign a player as back-up to Hojlund.

Should Real Madrid sign Mbappe or Haaland this summer, they are likely to change their formation back to a 4-3-3, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti using a 4-3-1-2 formation this season following Karim Benzema's surprise exit at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

There have been rumours surrounding a possible departure for Vinicius Junior, but it is believed to be highly unlikely that he will leave Bernabeu this summer.