Man Utd ‘make £51m offer’ for striker as PSG provide transfer complication for Erik ten Hag

Manchester United have reportedly made an opening offer for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.

The Red Devils have turned their attention to signing a centre-forward next, following the arrivals of Mason Mount and Andre Onana so far this summer. Rasmus Hojlund has been identified as the man to lead the line line next season, with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen deemed unattainable.

United have been preparing to make an official bid over the last week and, as per journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils have made contact regarding the transfer. “Understand Manchester United sent 1st verbal proposal to Atalanta for Rasmus Højlund for €60m package,” Romano wrote on Twitter. “Bid structure is €50m fixed fee plus €10m add-ons. Atalanta always wanted at least €70m fee.”

It’s not clear whether the reported bid has been accepted, but Italian reporter Gianluca Di Marzio claims Atalanta are requesting a bid made up of €80m (£68.5m) to sign the striker, but a fee closer to €70m (£60m) could be accepted could be accepted. The journalist adds that Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in signing Holjlund, but the Dane would prefer a move to Old Trafford.

Earlier this week, Erik ten Hag admitted United are making ‘progress’ on the pursuit of a new striker. “I think what I can say is we will do everything what’s in our power to get that done,” he said. "And, to me, yeah, as soon as possible.

“How early, the better, because we have to integrate them in the team, in the way of play. So, in an ideal situation, he was already here. But you’re not always getting ideal situations as a manager and you have to deal with the situation.”

Meanwhile, Anthony Martial has recently returned to training following a hamstring tear he suffered at the end of the last season, but Ten Hag is willing to sell the Frenchman. Marcus Rashford is another option up top, while Jadon Sancho has been forced to operate as no.9 in pre-season, due to United’s lack of depth in that area. Ten Hag also handed minutes to young striker Joe Hugill during the first two matches of the summer.