Real Madrid 'scouting' shock Man Utd star as potential Erling Haaland back-up plan 'revealed'

Real Madrid will send scouts to watch Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund, according to reports.

The Dane has transformed from zero to hero in recent weeks, netting a goal in each of his previous five Premier League games. Hojlund was on target as the Red Devils beat Aston Villa to move within five points of fifth spot.

While Hojlund was scoring goals in the Champions League, he failed to net in any of his first 14 Premier League fixtures.

Bagging against Villa on Boxing Day appears to have triggered a goal flurry to simmer questions about his £75million price tag. Hojlund’s tally for the campaign stands at 11 across all competitions - a respectable return given his age and circumstances at Old Trafford.

But reports are now suggesting he could be on the move just as Erik ten Hag started to bear the fruits of his patience. Spanish outlet Defensa Central has claimed Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Hojlund and have instructed chief scout Juni Calafat to track his progress.

Los Blancos have been without an elite striker since Karim Benzema left for the Saudi Pro League last summer. Former Newcastle United man Joselu has led the line - to mixed success - but a top number nine is viewed as the final piece of the puzzle.

Jude Bellingham has been relied on heavily in the advanced midfield role, with the England star scoring twice against Girona at the weekend. The report has claimed Hojlund would be Madrid’s back-up choice should they fail to land Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland.

Madrid have been heavily linked with Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe but recent reports claimed members of the player's camp are not convinced by the contract offer from the La Liga giants. Mbappe has yet to trigger a 12-month extension in his PSG contract, meaning he will become a free agent this summer as things stand.