Manchester United, Real Madrid ‘to go head-to-head for Rasmus Hojlund’

Manchester United and Real Madrid are reportedly preparing to go head-to-head for the signature of Atalanta BC forward Rasmus Hojlund during this summer’s transfer window.

The speculation surrounding the 20-year-old’s future is currently gathering pace, with a number of clubs believed to be interested in signing him in the upcoming market.

Atalanta only signed the forward from Sturm Graz last August, but he has made a strong impression during his first season in Italian football, scoring eight goals and registering three assists in 28 appearances in all competitions.

Hojliund has also netted five times in his first four appearances for Denmark, hitting a hat-trick and then a brace in their March internationals with Finland and Kazakhstan.

A recent report claimed that Atalanta had placed a £62m asking price on the youngster, who has a contract with his current side until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

READ: WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam reveals ripped physique after ‘cutting back on sugar’

© Reuters

According to BT, Man United and Real Madrid are the two clubs showing a concrete interest in the Dane’s services ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that both teams have submitted ‘a letter of interest’, which has demonstrated their ‘clear intention’ to secure his services in the upcoming market.

Hojlund has scored seven times and registered three assists in 26 Serie A appearances this season, with Atalanta currently sitting sixth in the table, just four points behind fourth-placed AC Milan.

Back in January, the forward revealed that he was “a huge Manchester United fan” amid the speculation surrounding a possible move to Old Trafford.

© Reuters

“Now that you ask, I will not hide the fact that I am a huge Manchester United fan,” Sport Witness quoted Hojlund as saying.

“So personally, it would be one of the biggest things for me, but of course that doesn’t mean that I would turn down other big clubs if the offers come at some point.”

The forward started his professional career with Copenhagen before moving to Sturm Graz, netting 12 times and registering four assists in 21 appearances for the Austrian side before making the switch to Atalanta.

READ ALSO: Clippers star Russell Westbrook gets into angry clash with Suns fan halfway through Game 1

Real Madrid are in the market for a long-term Karim Benzema replacement, with the Frenchman widely expected to leave Bernabeu at the end of next season.

Meanwhile, Man United will sign at least one striker this summer, as the Red Devils prepare to bring in a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who had his contract terminated at the end of last year.