Revealed: Man United pull plug on striker signing after Hojlund 'agreement'

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

31 Jul 2023, 2:04 am

Man United have pulled the plug on their Harry Kane pursuit after agreeing a £72million deal with Atalanta for Rasmus Hojlund, sources have told Football Insider.

The deal in principle is worth an initial £64m with a further £8m in add-ons.

United’s move for Hojlund comes after they decided against a move for the £100m-rated Tottenham star Kane.

Kane has been a top target for United all summer but they resolved that they did not want to get drawn into a stand off with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.

Instead, Erik ten Hag's team have solved their striker problem with the imminent acquistion of 20-year-old Hojlund.

On 29 July, Football Insider revealed that the Red Devils were ready to close the signing of the forward after talks accelereted.

Hojlund has been Erik ten Hag's top striker target following difficulties in their attempts to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham.

Kane had been at the top of United's shortlist for forwards this summer but Levy's unwillingness to sell, and the potential price tag if he did agree to sell, made a deal between the sides unlikely.

His current contract expires next summer and, although he has been offered a new deal, is unlikely to pen an extension and could quit for free in 2024.

Bayern Munich are currently frontrunners for the England international's signature but have already seen two bids rejected with Spurs demanding £100m to part ways with their goalscorer.

Football Insider revealed (24 July), that the German club are preparing to submit a third bid worth nearly £100m.

But last week (24 July), Football Insider revealed that Old Trafford is Kane's preferred destination this summer with Tottenham open to selling the striker.

In other news, Kieran Maguire shreds Man United board in £500m transfer claim.

Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspur