Transfer Centre

Atalanta BC 'reject chance to sign Mason Greenwood as part of Rasmus Hojlund deal'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 19 July 2023

Atalanta 'reject chance to sign Greenwood as part of Hojlund deal'

Atalanta BC reject the chance to sign Mason Greenwood on loan as part of a potential deal to take Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United, according to a report.

Atalanta BC have reportedly rejected the chance to sign Mason Greenwood on loan as part of a potential deal to take Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United.

Hojlund has emerged as Man United's leading centre-forward target this summer, with the Red Devils said to be preparing to make an opening offer for the Denmark international.

According to The Telegraph, Erik ten Hag's side recently offered Atalanta the chance to sign Greenwood on loan as part of the arrangement, but the Italian outfit turned the proposed deal down.

The report claims that Atalanta only want cash for Hojlund, although the Serie A side are still thought to be interested in discussing a loan switch for Greenwood in a separate deal.

The 21-year-old is free to resume his career, having seen all criminal charges against him dropped.

Mason Greenwood arrives in court in November 2022 © Reuters

Following accusations from a woman, Greenwood was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault, and he was then further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.

The forward was also facing charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, before it was confirmed that the charges had been dropped.

Man United are not expected to terminate Greenwood's contract or sell him, with a loan switch to a foreign club widely expected to occur during the summer window.

Juventus, AC Milan and Roma are among the Italian clubs also to be credited with an interest in the England international, who has not played competitive football since January 2022.

Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick and Mason Greenwood pictured in December 2021 © Reuters

Before his arrest, Greenwood was regarded to be one of the best young forwards in world football, representing Man United on 129 occasions, scoring 35 goals and registering 12 assists.

The Englishman has another two years left to run on his contract, meanwhile, with the option of a further 12 months, and he could potentially be reintroduced into the first team at Old Trafford for the 2024-25 season.

Hojlund is thought to be valued by Atalanta in the region of €70m (£60.1m), but Man United are not believed to be prepared to go to that price for the Dane.

Ten Hag's side are currently short of options in the final third of the field, with Wout Weghorst returning to parent club Burnley after a loan spell in the second half of last season.