Rasmus Hojlund has been a huge disappointment for Manchester United this season, netting only thrice in the Premier League all season.
Ruben Amorim has even had to turn to Harry Maguire, a centre-back by trade, to play up front in place of the Dane with the England international turning saviour for the Red Devils in the Europa League quarter-final.
The head coach is sick and tired of the 22-year-old’s failures and wants him gone but INEOS are aware that the Denmark international’s poor form means they will not recoup the £64 million they paid for his services two years ago.
Italian clubs like Napoli and Juventus are interested while the United co-owners are even contemplating a loan exit. A swap deal could also work with the Bianconeri reportedly open to offering Dusan Vlahovic in return.
Rasmus has been a huge disappointment
But United have Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha as their top targets and are not interested in the Serb. This is where Atalanta could profit.
As per The Sun, the Bergamo-based outfit and their fans still love the United No 9 and want him back. And they could offer Ademola Lookman to the Red Devils in return.
In fact, the Serie A side have even been in touch with Hojlund’s representatives and he is open to the idea of a return while the Nigerian is keen to move to Old Trafford after a bitter falling out with Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini.
“RASMUS HOJLUND could be offered a potential escape route from his Manchester United debacle by former club Atalanta. And that could see a partial swap deal bringing Ademola Lookman back to the Premier League.
“Hojlund, 22, remains a firm favourite among the Atalanta supporters and the Serie A side are ready to make a move in the summer if United decide to cut their losses.
“Atalanta scouts have watched his recent matches and remain in touch with the players’ representatives, who ensured he left the club on good terms two years ago.
Lookman ready to move to Old Trafford
“But an extra element in any deal could involve former Everton, Fulham and Leicester wideman Lookman, who is keen to return to England after three successful seasons in Italy.
“The London-born winger, 27, who opted to play for Nigeria despite winning 11 England Under-21 caps, is thought to be open to a move to Old Trafford.”
The Nigeria international has 18 goals and seven assists this season and can play all across the frontline, something that would suit Amorim.
The 27-year-old excels in chance creation and progressive carries and has been described as “scary“, while he already has experience of playing in the English top-flight.
He has a higher value as compared to United’s Danish striker and that means a player-plus-cash deal will be needed to land him which should suit United’s PSR situation. Whether INEOS opt for such a deal remains to be seen.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
