Atalanta reject second complicated Manchester United Rasmus Højlund offer

Atlanta have rejected a second offer for Rasmus Højlund from Manchester United, with the player keen to join the club.

Manchester United are knee-deep in trying to sign a striker for Erik ten Hag this summer, having settled on Atalanta’s Rasmus Højlund as their preferred target.

As the club got their pre-season underway with a 2-0 win against Leeds on Wednesday afternoon, many pointed out that United still lacked that cutting clinical edge up front – something that a striker could give them.

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According to Laurie Whitwell of the Athletic, Manchester United recently tabled the idea of a cash-plus-players deal to Atalanta.

However, it is said that this idea was rebuffed, with Atalanta only wanting straight cash for the deal, as they were not interested in any of the players that United had to offer.

Atalanta are reportedly demanding £85.5 million for the striker – a fee which United, along with many of their fans, feel is excessive, considering the striker’s inexperience.

United have already had one bid rejected, where the north-west club offered Atalanta £35m for the player.

Player-plus-cash deals are notoriously complicated to execute, so it makes sense that Atalanta would prefer not to enter into a deal that would see multiple players move across the club – especially if they are not keen on any of the players on offer.

Multiple reports have explained that Højlund is keen to join United, as he is a boyhood fan of the club. It may come down to Højlund to push for the move in order for the deal to be completed.

Fred and Donny van de Beek are two of the names mentioned who are for sale this summer, with the former gathering interest from Fulham. Neither player was part of the matchday squad against Leeds.