Man Utd youngster Amad Diallo could help Erik ten Hag sign Rasmus Hojlund

Manchester United youngster Amad Diallo could help Erik ten Hag sign Rasmus Hojlund, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

Erik ten Hag's hunt for a world class striker has taken a backseat in recent weeks, with full focus on Mason Mount's £65 million move from Chelsea.

Meanwhile, United have had to turn their attention to signing a new goalkeeper after David de Gea announced he was leaving the club this summer.

Andre Onana has been lined up as the Spaniard's replacement, with an agreement expected to be reached imminently.

However, according to Sheth, a no. 9 remains a "big, big priority".

"The no. 9 remains a big, big priority for Manchester United and they remain in talks with Atalanta over the striker Rasmus Hojlund," he told Sky Sports on Tuesday.

"As with Onana, a gap in valuation still exists between what Manchester United are prepared to pay and what Atalanta want."

"But there seems to be a willingness and cautious optimism that maybe a deal can be struck because United are getting encouraging signs that Hojlund would want to make that move to Old Trafford," Sheth added.

And it seems Ten Hag has a secret weapon to help sign Hojlund in the shape of Diallo.

Man Utd could use Diallo to help sign Hojlund

Sheth added that United could offer Diallo to Atalanta on loan as a part of a deal for Hojlund this summer, although Ten Hag is reluctant to let the Ivorian leave before he has watched him in pre-season.

"I think United are also exploring other ways that they could do a deal. Maybe the possibility of loaning Amad Diallo to Atalanta", he added.

"However, some of the noises we're hearing now is that Erik ten Hag, after his impressive season at Sunderland, wants to see him in pre-season first before making a decision on Diallo."

Diallo actually joined United from Atalanta in 2021, meaning the Serie A cub know the player well from his six years at the club.