Manchester United 'reach agreement in principle' over attacking star: report

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag arrives prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on May 13, 2023 in Manchester, England.
(Image credit: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Manchester United are looking to complete their transfer business early this summer, with a promising attacker set to be the club's next signing. 

Mason Mount has already joined for £60m, while reports also suggest the Red Devils have agreed personal terms with Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, who could offer the club an entirely new dimension after the departure of the long-serving David De Gea.

Erik ten Hag's side still looks light in attack, though, with Anthony Martial the club's only senior striker. The Frenchman injury problems means Manchester United are intent on bringing another goalscorer to Old Trafford, and that looks to be edging ever closer.

Indeed, transfer journalist Nicolo Schira has reported that Manchester United have "reached an agreement in principle" with Rasmus Hojlund and his representatives over a contract until 2028, though they still need to submit a bid to Atalanta. 

Rasmus Hojlund could cost Manchester United less than £40m this summer, with Corriere dello Sport in Italy reporting that United have already had a £31m bid rejected. 

It's likely that the Red Devils could increase their bid to meet the asking price, too – or at least offer more money in add-ons to the Serie A side. 

Rasmus Hojlund of Denmark celebrates after scoring their third goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifier match between Denmark and Finland at Parken on March 23, 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Rasmus Hojlund has been compared to Erling Haaland (Image credit: Lars Ronbog / FrontZoneSport via Getty Images)

While the Danish striker managed just nine Serie A goals in 32 appearances in the 2022/23 season, Hojlund is still only 20-years-old and plenty of progress still to make in his career. Transfermarkt also values him at less than £40m, highlighting the potential ability he possesses.

Compared to Erling Haaland, Hojlund is a tall, physical threat in attack and a natural finisher. 

While Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Goncalo Ramos have all been linked to Manchester United this summer, Hojlund looks the most likely considering the club's financial fair play considerations. 

Rasmus Hojlund of Atalanta celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Serie A match between Lazio and Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico on 11 February, 2023 in Rome, Italy.

Rasmus Hojlund scored nine Serie A goals last season (Image credit: Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Transfermarkt values Hojlund to be worth €45m.

More Manchester United stories

Manchester United transfer news is doing the rounds, with the Red Devils said to be in the market for several stars this summer. 

Wonderkid Vitor Roque has been linked, while Portuguese teen Joao Neves is on the radarUnited have also enquired about Theo Hernandez, while Jadon Sancho has been put up for sale.

Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford looks set to remain with a bumper new contract.

Ryan Dabbs
Staff writer

Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with FourFourTwo permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future.