Manchester United have entered “extensive negotiations” with Rasmus Højlund as the club continues its search for a new number nine.
Erik ten Hag had made the position a priority this summer, but efforts so far had yielded little result. It seems that has changed.
Although Harry Kane was reportedly the first-choice target, a transfer for him this summer is becoming increasingly unlikely. Old Trafford sources have revealed the club are reluctant to “play” with the notoriously difficult Spurs chairman.
The Manchester Evening News believe United have turned their attention to Danish striker Højlund. John Murtough is in direct talks with Atalanta about a “possible deal” for a player United has been “following” for months.
A €100m (£85.39m) fee has been floated but is believed to be subject to negotiation. TalkSPORT confirms that “discussions about an initial fee have already taken place” with United looking to strike a deal this summer.
Ten Hag said they had contacted Højlund several times via video, with the Dutch manager revealing in a separate interview how “eager to come to United” the players he spoke to this summer are compared to last year .
Højlund enjoyed a breakthrough last season as he only joined Atalanta this summer from Sturm Gaz. With the physique of a classic number nine and the athleticism and speed of a modern striker, the Danish striker has drawn comparisons to fellow Nordic Erling Haaland.
Ten goals in all competitions for Atalanta last season suggest parallels with Manchester City’s number nine are premature, but six goals in four games at international level offer a glimpse into Højlund’s future.
Fueling the fire even more is the mode of representation chosen by the Dane. Samuel Luckhurst reports that Kees Vos, head of the international agency SEG, has probably been representing Højlund since May. Ten Hag is also represented by Vos.
SEG are looking to “help arrange a transfer” for Højlund’s move from Italy to England, suggesting the player is as eager to make the move as his potential new manager.
A deal of this magnitude will always be complex, but the willingness of so many rivals to finalize it is a positive sign for United fans, despite fears of a budget that would not allow for such a transfer fee.
As brilliantly reported here by The Peoples Person, United’s summer spending concerns are somewhat dubious.
Ten Hag will not be constrained by a shoestring budget, with money available for a deal with Højlund, plus moves for Andre Onana and the already confirmed Mason Mount.
This deal appears to be on track to completion. United can finally get their hands on the new number nine their manager has been craving.
