Manchester United strike deal for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund

Weeks of relentless attempts have paid off as Manchester United and Atalanta have finally found common ground over Rasmus Hojlund’s switch to England.

According to Sky Sports, the Red Devils have struck a deal for the 20-year-old forward, agreeing to pay La Dea a staggering £64 million fee plus an additional £8m in add-ons.

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has been hellbent on signing the former Sturm Graz striker ever since Tottenham Hotspur chief Daniel Levy priced him out of a move for Harry Kane.

United have been desperate for a new centre-forward since last winter when Cristiano Ronaldo called time on his second stint at Old Trafford to join Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr.

Ten Hag has examined several other players in the market, including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani, only to find their price tags beyond United’s reach.

Hojlund wasn’t Man Utd’s first choice earlier in the summer. But they’ve had to settle for the prodigious Atalanta talent due to their financial limitations amid a long-running takeover saga.

The 20-year-old could be the leader of United’s attack for years to come, although it’s uncertain whether he could have an immediate impact following a mixed maiden season in Serie A.

Despite his burgeoning talent, the Denmark international wasn’t a regular start under Gian Piero Gasperini in 2022/23, making only 20 league starts for La Dea.

However, he bagged 16 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as one of Europe’s finest attacking talents.

Hojlund will become Man Utd’s third high-profile summer signing after Mason Mount and Andre Onana joined the Red Devils from Chelsea and Inter Milan, respectively.

Atalanta have shattered the club’s record transfer fee to sign El-Bilal Toure from Almeria as Hojlund’s replacement, pouring €30m into the Spaniards’ bank account to close the deal.