Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'to switch focus to Rasmus Hojlund after signing Andre Onana'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 18 July 2023

Man United 'to switch focus to Hojlund after signing Onana'

Manchester United will switch their focus to Atalanta BC forward Rasmus Hojlund once they have officially signed Andre Onana, according to a report.

Manchester United will reportedly switch their focus to Atalanta BC forward Rasmus Hojlund once they have officially completed a deal for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.

The Red Devils are said to be on the verge of signing Onana, having come to an agreement with Inter over a deal which is believed to be worth €50m (£42.9m) plus €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons.

The Cameroonian, who is set to sign a five-year contract at Old Trafford, is expected to be a part of Man United's USA tour squad and could potentially debut against Arsenal on Saturday.

Onana will become the team's second signing of the summer after Mason Mount, with the England international recently completing a move to the club from Chelsea.

According to The Guardian, once the Onana deal has been confirmed, the 20-time English champions will switch their attention to Atalanta striker Hojlund.

Denmark's Rasmus Hojlund celebrates scoring their second goal on March 23, 2023 © Reuters

Despite recent reports, Man United are allegedly yet to submit an offer for Hojlund but have been in discussions with his Italian side over a potential deal.

Atalanta are thought to value the Denmark international in the region of €70m (£60.1m), but it is unlikely that Erik ten Hag's side would be prepared to go to that figure for his services.

The 20-year-old made the move to La Dea last summer from Sturm Graz, and a successful first season saw him find the back of the net on 10 occasions, with nine of those goals coming in Serie A.

Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane and Napoli's Victor Osimhen were thought to be the club's leading targets earlier this summer, but a deal for either at this stage is seen as incredibly unlikely.

Atalanta BC forward Rasmus Hojlund celebrates in February 2023 © Reuters

Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has addressed the speculation surrounding the forward, claiming that there is no deadline for Man United making an offer.

"Hojlund? Even if we fix a date, put August 15, the transfer market isn't over. If an [irresistible] offer arrives, the club, the player, decides later," Italy24 quotes Gasperini as saying.

"Date? I would put July 31 but realistically there is no possibility of putting it, even Hojlund was like this last year, everything is random."

Man United had Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley in the second half of last season, but the Netherlands international found it difficult to make his mark and has now returned to his parent club.

The Red Devils are also thought to be keen to sign a defensive midfielder this summer, with Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat said to be a target, but any move is allegedly dependant on sales.