Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is reportedly aiming to bring another forward to the club this summer alongside Rasmus Hojlund.
The Red Devils are on the verge of announcing a deal for Hojlund, with the Denmark international believed to have completed his medical with the club on Tuesday ahead of a move from Atalanta BC.
Hojlund scored 10 times in his first season in Italian football following his arrival from Sturm Graz.
According to journalist Jacque Talbot, the 20-year-old is not expected to be the focal point of the Man United attack next season due to his limited experience, with the Red Devils returning to the Champions League for the 2023-24 campaign.
Hojlund has played in the qualification rounds of the Champions League, in addition to the Europa Conference, but he has limited experience in top-level football.
© Reuters
Talbot claims that the Denmark international could operate across the Man United attack in the new season and has not primarily been signed as their new centre-forward.
As a result, Ten Hag is still hoping to sign a 'number nine' in the mould of Harry Kane, although a deal for the Tottenham Hotspur forward is seen as very unlikely at this stage.
Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani have also been priced out of summer moves, but Porto's Mehdi Taremi is among the forwards to be linked with a cut-price switch to Old Trafford.
Man United have already spent over £100m on Mason Mount and Andre Onana this summer, while Hojlund is expected to cost in the region of £70m.
© Reuters
However, there will allegedly be room in the budget to add another forward once players have been sold, with Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Fred and Donny van de Beek being linked with departures.
Anthony Martial could also be allowed to leave once a new centre-forward has been identified.
Facundo Pellistri, meanwhile, is set to leave on loan in the near future, and Amad Diallo could also spend this season away from the club despite his impressive 2022-23 campaign at Sunderland.
Mason Greenwood's future is also allegedly close to being decided, with the 21-year-old widely expected to leave the 20-time English champions on loan this summer.
Man United will conclude their preparations for the 2023-24 campaign with friendlies against Lens and Athletic Bilbao on Saturday and Sunday respectively before opening their Premier League season at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 14.
Matt Law
