MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly working on a “contingency plan” after deeming Atalanta’s asking price for Rasmus Hojlund to be too expensive.
Erik ten Hag has already brought in midfielder Mason Mount from Chelsea for £60m and they are closing in on the signing of Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana with the stopper set to undergo a medical.
The Red Devils boss will now switch his focus to bringing in a new striker – albeit on his limited transfer budget.
A forward remains a top priority, with Tottenham’s Harry Kane his top target going into the summer while he is also looking to make a move for Atalanta's Hojlund.
Hojlund scored nine goals in 32 Serie A matches last term and United believe that he will develop into one of Europe’s best strikers.
The club were also looking into a potential move for Eintracht Frankfurt’s French international forward Randal Kolo Muani.
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However, it now seems that Ten Hag has identified Hojlund as his preferred option.
The 20-year-old Danish international is already believed to have agreed personal terms, however, his price tag is proving to be a major stumbling block.
ESPN claims that Atalanta want £60m plus add-ons for the ace – a fee that United deem to be too steep for the youngster.
And that has led to them exploring other options in their quest for a new man to lead their attack.
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Bayern Munich have already allegedly had two bids rejected for Kane, 29, with a third expected.
Spurs denied an official offer had ever been received and that if there had been one, it would be rejected as they do not want to sell their talisman.
Kane only has 12 months remaining on his contract and that means that Spurs risk losing him for nothing next summer if they do not cash in over the coming weeks.
But chairman Daniel Levy is still hopeful the legend can be convinced to sign fresh terms, although new boss Ange Postecoglou has refused to confirm that the club’s record goalscorer is staying.
Kane, who is yet to win silverware with Spurs in his career, is currently in Australia on the club’s pre-season tour and played in yesterday’s 3-2 defeat to West Ham.
He is currently assessing his options while speculation over his future rumbles on, although reports have claimed that United have pulled out of the chase to sign him as they feel Levy will make it impossible for him to join a Premier League rival.
Ten Hag has also been linked with a move for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani, who Bayern are also believed to be keen on.
Frankfurt value the 24-year-old striker, who is under contract until 2027, at £85m after he fired an impressive 23 goals in 46 matches for the German club following last summer’s free transfer arrival from Nantes.
But there are also some cheaper, if less exciting, options on the table that some outlets have claimed United could be exploring.
Porto star Mehdi Taremi has been another name mentioned as a striking alternative.
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The Portuguese club are believed to be willing to entertain offers of at least £17million for the 30-year-old striker.
Meanwhile, Chelsea flop Joao Felix, 23, has already reportedly held talks with United.
The forward, who only scored four goals in 16 games while on loan at the Blues last term, is keen to leave Atletico Madrid after a fall-out with boss Diego Simeone.
And he has reportedly asked his agent Jorge Mendes to find him a new club.
But former Southampton forward Dusan Tadic has also emerged as a target, and certainly fits in United’s budget, after he left Ajax as a free agent.
The 34-year-old asked for his contract to be terminated earlier this month following lengthy discussions with club chiefs.
He is yet to find a new club, but United fans are convinced that Ten Hag will attempt to sign his ex-Ajax ace this summer.
Another potential option could be to bring back a familiar face to the club.
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Wout Weghorst, 30, arrived at United in January on loan from Burnley and helped them to Carabao Cup success.
He has returned to Burnley for pre-season training, but if all else fails, Ten Hag may opt to try and bring back the unlikely fan favourite, despite the Dutchman failing to score in the Premier League for them last term.
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