Manchester United are reportedly ready to make their first official bid for Atalanta BC forward Rasmus Hojlund.
Since the end of last season, it has been known that Erik ten Hag is in the market for a new number nine in a bid to resolve the team's issues in that area.
Although Marcus Rashford enjoyed his best season in a United shirt during 2022-23, Ten Hag is keen for alternatives with Anthony Martial expected to follow Wout Weghorst out of Old Trafford.
However, United have made little progress on that front, the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen proving too expensive which has, in turn, resulted in stronger interest in Hojlund.
In Serie A last season, Hojlund contributed nine goals and four assists from 32 appearances, yet the 20-year-old remains one of the most highly-regarded prospects in world football.
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As a result, Atalanta have little interest in cashing in on the Denmark international unless they are presented with a proposal that they cannot refuse.
The Italian outfit allegedly value Hojlund in the region of €70m (£60.1m), a price tag which could theoretically increase over time or if other clubs enter the fray.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Paris Saint-Germain are continuing to hold discussions with Hojlund's representatives regarding a potential switch to Parc des Princes.
Romano adds that is likely to lead to United making their first formal offer in the coming days in an effort to ensure that they remain the frontrunners for his signature.
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United are not in a position where they can spend freely during the rest of the summer, with the club already facing FFP issues even before adding to their squad.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana has followed midfielder Mason Mount in moving to the Theatre of Dreams, with the pair having cost United in excess of £100m.
Nevertheless, acquiring a new frontman remains imperative, and United are seemingly prepared to focus their efforts on bring in Hojlund on a long-term contract.
Having only been at the Gewiss Stadium for less than a year, the former Copenhagen youngster possesses a contract until the end of 2026-27, keeping Atalanta in a strong position if they wish to retain his services.
Darren Plant
