Manchester United offered two players as part of a swap deal for Rasmus Hojlund this summer, according to reports
After a drawn out pursuit of the 20-year-old striker, Erik ten Hag eventually signed Hojlund from Atalanta at the end of July for a fee of £72 million.
The Red Devils boss was desperate to add an elite goalscorer to his ranks, following the acrimonious departure of Cristiano Ronaldo last December.
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The likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen were touted as potential options, but both players proved too costly, with Kane subsequently joining Bayern Munich for a fee which could reach £100 million.
Despite being somewhat of an unknown, United put their money where their mouth is and signed Hojlund - but the Old Trafford club originally attempted to haggle with Atalanta by using two of their own players as part of a deal.
That's according to The Athletic, who claim that United offered midfielders Donny van de Beek and Fred as part of an exchange deal to lessen the cost.
However, Atalanta outright refused their offer, with the Serie A club only interested in cash for their prized asset.
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The report adds that Lee Congerton, Atalanta's head of senior recruitment, believed Hojlund was worth €100m (£87m), leading Ten Hag to look at Randal Kolo Muani, who eventually joined Paris Saint-Germain for €95m (£83m).
The French club were also heavily linked to Hojlund, while Tottenham were said to be "genuine contenders" for the Dane's signature at one stage.
Ten Hag was allegedly a key figure behind the move, having held several video calls with Hojlund, which is thought to have won over the forward.
A statement released by his parents back in July read: “The choice of SEG was a deliberate one. The transfer to Manchester United comes at the perfect time, and it is the right step in his career.”
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Hojlund made his official debut off the bench against Arsenal earlier this month and played a key role in setting up Alejandro Garnacho's disallowed goal.
While he registered his first goal for the club against Bayern Munich in their chaotic 4-3 Champions League defeat on Wednesday.
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Topics: Manchester United, Transfers, Football, Rasmus Hojlund, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, Donny van de Beek, Fred, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, Atalanta
Joe Adams