Erik ten Hag ‘decides on’ striker target but Man Utd face money ‘problem’ amid stalling takeover

Manchester United appear to have finally decided on their primary striker target, but they do have a money problem that may get in the way.

Erik ten Hag came into the summer needing a striker, but he decided to prioritise the £60million signing of Mason Mount, which will have raised some eyebrows amid the club’s need for a frontman, while a goalkeeper is also required following the departure of David De Gea - at least for now.

Harry Kane was quickly linked this summer ahead of Tottenham putting the frontman out of reach with their price tag - or at least the price tag they will use when there is a Premier League buyer.

Napoli star Victor Osimhen has also been linked, but priced at £100million or more, United are not in a position to pull off a deal. That seems to have led the Red Devils to an unproven gem in Rasmus Hojlund, who has also been linked regularly throughout this summer.

Hojlund is still only 20 years of age, and while he has managed a respectable goal return of nine in 32 Serie A appearances for Atalanta, it’s hardly the goal tally of a young Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe or the aforementioned Osimhen. Still, the young Dane appears to be a sought after talent as clubs search to unearth the ‘next Haaland’, and United are said to have settled on Hojlund as their striker target this summer.

That’s according to The Telegraph, who say the club believe they may be able to get a deal done for £50million this summer. Though, it’s added that United are operating under a strict budget due to Financial Fair Play this summer, likely needing to sell a number of players, including the likes of Harry Maguire.

It’s claimed United may need a takeover to go through before spending £50million on a striker, especially given the other positions they are going to need to strengthen. Then again, a takeover is not likely to go through ahead of the new season with talks continuing to stall.