Atalanta manager Gasperini sets price demand for Man United target Rasmus Hojlund

Manchester United are expected to ramp up their pursuit of Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund after announcing the signing of Andre Onana on Thursday.

Onana, 27, joined the Old Trafford club on a five-year deal, with there being an option in the contract to extend for a further year.

He joins Mason Mount as a new recruit under Erik ten Hag, who managed the goalkeeper for five seasons whilst the pair were at Ajax together.

Now, United could move in for Hojlund, who seems to be their number one striker target. He played a friendly for Atalanta on Thursday and scored once and secured two assists in his cameo during their 11-0 thumping of Rappresentativa Val Seriana.

The talented forward is just 20-years-old but seems to be Ten Hag’s backup choice to Harry Kane, who looks unlikely to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

However, there have been various reports on differing price tags for the Denmark international and that could be the only potential stumbling block for a deal. The player has already agreed personal terms with United.

Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has had his say on what his club should be looking to receive for a player he regards as one of the best young strikers in European football.

“I don’t know whether he’ll stay or leave,” admitted Gasperini when speaking to Sky Sports. “But I hope the club will value Hojlund around €80, €90 or a €100 million fee.

“Rasmus is one of the best — if not the best — emerging talent in Europe as a striker.”

If the Italian club would be valuing their player at that price, it would seem unlikely that United would pull the trigger. They have spent over £100 million on signing Mount and Onana and have to pick their next signings carefully due to Financial Fair Play concerns.

Hojlund is also not a guaranteed success. He is still very young and is not a sure-thing after scoring just nine in the Serie A last term.

The talent level is certainly there and he could be a very good signing at the right price but United need to ensure they are not paying over the odds after making good progress in terms of transfer fees in their first two deals of the summer.