Man Utd risk Rasmus Hojlund hijack with transfer rivals PSG 'ready to pay £55m'

EXPRESS

Paris Saint-Germain are ready to hijack Manchester United’s move for Rasmus Hojlund after indicating their willingness to pay £55million for the 20-year-old Atalanta frontman during private discussions with the player’s agents. The Red Devils have already agreed personal terms with the Denmark international forward but are yet to submit a formal bid despite initial discussions with the Italian club.

United first floated the prospect of including several stars within a player-plus-cash deal to keep the price down but Atalanta had no interest in signing Fred, Donny van de Beek or Mason Greenwood on loan.

Instead, the Serie A outfit will command a huge fee for one of the hottest commodities in European football meaning United’s financial muscle will now be put to the test following the signings of Mason Mount and Andre Onana.

According to L’Equipe, PSG are in continuous dialogue with Hojlund’s representatives and sporting director Luis Campos is ready to sanction a big-money transfer this summer meaning Erik ten Hag’s gruelling search for a new No.9 is facing further unwanted obstacles.

Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini has publicly ordered his employers to play hardball during transfer negotiations by declaring Hojlund is worth up to £85m.

The Italian tactician said: “I don’t know if he’s leaving, the market is unpredictable.

“I hope for the club they ask for €80m, €90m or €100m. The market value changes. But among the young emerging players in his role, he is among the best in Europe. If not the best.”

United are expected to launch their first bid in the coming days but that is only likely to encourage Atalanta to drive an auction by also inviting PSG to the table.

Ten Hag has already endured countless struggles in his quest to land a marquee centre-forward after Tottenham made it clear they wouldn’t be willing to negotiate a deal with United for Harry Kane.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani is also towards the top of United’s short-list but the Bundesliga club are demanding £70m for the France international forward.

Atalanta boss Gasperini also stated that he believes Hojlund should spent at least one more season in Italy sharpening his tools before pursuing a life-changing move.