Man Utd set for double swoop with Hojlund and Amrabat
Manchester United are set to bolster their squad with a double signing of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund, according to reports.
Italian outlet Tuttosport claim Amrabat has “packed his bags” and will join fellow Serie A player Hojlund in moving to Old Trafford. United are yet to agree a deal with Fiorentina, who are said to want around £25m for the Morocco international, though United are reportedly hoping to strike an agreement at £19m plus bonuses.
Having wrapped up the signings of Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, a Red Devils deal in principle has been struck for highly-rated 20-year-old Hojlund. United are understood to have agreed to pay £64million for Hojlund, with a further £8million in add-ons. The Denmark international has agreed terms on a five-year deal with the option of a further season.
Hojlund is seen by the Old Trafford giants as a rough diamond who can be polished by Erik ten Hag, who made no secret of the need for attacking help after Wednesday’s 2-0 friendly loss to Real Madrid. The Dutchman’s side failed to score from any of their 14 attempts under the NRG Stadium roof, an all too familiar tale given their problems taking opportunities last season.
Rasmus Hojlund is set to join them after United agreed a deal in principle to sign the talented Atalanta striker for a £64million fee rising to £72m – a potentially key addition to a goal-shy group.
“I can’t talk about this player in this moment because I’m a long time in football and I know first we need signings,” said Ten Hag, who always tends to keeps cards close to his chest. “So far, we have to keep calm and let the professionals do their work. ”
Hojlund’s arrival will take United’s summer outlay to £162.8m – a figure which would increase to £179.2m if the respective clauses in the three arrivals’ contracts are met.
Liverpool to resume Lavia transfer talks
Liverpool are set to resume transfer talks next week for Romeo Lavia, according to reports.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Reds will resume discussions in the coming days in their bid to sign Lavia from Southampton, with the Saints holding out for a £50m transfer package for the teenage Belgian midfielder.
Liverpool reportedly made two bids for the young star this week as they try to fill the voids left by Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, but talks are set to continue in the coming days.
Romano said on Liverpool’s pursuit for Lavia: “Jurgen Klopp has spoken about working on solutions for midfield, but my understanding remains that the priority is still absolutely Romeo Lavia. It’s not a straightforward deal. Southampton insist on £50m package for Lavia, so negotiation remain ongoing, but it will continue next week.”
Erik ten Hag demands United raise bar again
By Simon Peach, PA Chief Football Writer, San Diego
Erik ten Hag is demanding Manchester United raise the bar once again having overseen “necessary” and “immense” improvements during his first year in charge. Last summer the Dutchman took the reins at a club in disarray, with a lack of coherency, quality and joined-up thinking resulting in a wretched 2021-22 campaign.
Ten Hag brought in a new style, implemented demanding standards and handled star Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit as well he could before masterminding the end of United’s six-year wait for silverware. The Carabao Cup triumph was followed by a third-placed Premier League finish and FA Cup final loss to eventual treble winners Manchester City, who are the target as they push for further improvements.
“I think the levels all across increased (at an) immense (level) and that was necessary,” Ten Hag said, reflecting on his first year in charge. “But, still, we are not there where we want to be and we have to raise the bar, so we have to go to next levels.
“You learn always and I think English football evolves and I think you see nowadays the league is stronger and stronger. When you compare it with three, four years ago, it’s definitely the case. Because all the strong players get attracted to the Premier League, all the best managers got attracted to the Premier League, so every time it develops and progresses. It’s really a challenge and I’m really looking forward again to go in the season and to get the challenge.”
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