According to The Athletic reporter David Ornstein, Manchester United may not be able to sign one of their top summer targets because Paris Saint-Germain made a counteroffer for him.

In order to acquire Mason Mount from Chelsea, Man Utd paid an initial £55 million, plus an additional $5 million in potential bonuses. They then followed up on that agreement on 20 July by hiring Inter custodian Andre Onana. Erik ten Hag’s team spent around £47 million on Onana, who will take David de Gea’s place at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag is now attempting to put an end to Man Utd’s striker shortage after bolstering his custodian and midfield positions. Although Victor Osimhen, Dusan Vlahovic, and Randal Kolo Muani have all been mentioned as potential centre-forwards for the Red Devils, Rasmus Hojlund of Atalanta is currently their top target.

Hojlund and Man Utd have already agreed upon personal terms. Given that the Dane is a huge club supporter, this was not difficult to do.

Hojlund would sign a five-year deal with Man Utd worth £80,000 per week if they were able to reach an agreement with Atalanta.

On Wednesday, it was revealed that Manchester United had increased their interest in Hojlund by making an opening bid. Fabrizio Romano estimates its initial value at €50 million (£43 million), plus an additional €10 million (£8.5 million) in add-ons. Atalanta are holding out for €70 million (£60.1 million), so it’s unclear whether this will be accepted.

The 20-year-old turned down a more lucrative contract offer from PSG because he wants to join Manchester United, according to Italian reporter Gianluca Di Marzio.

Ornstein, however, has now refuted that assertion. The dependable journalist has revealed that PSG has sent their opening offer for Hojlund, which is worth a total of £43 million. The French superpowers won’t likely offer more than this amount because they believe Atalanta’s valuation of £60.1 million is “unrealistic” given that he has only played in one season of a top-five European league.

PSG entered the Rasmus Hojlund race quickly.
Ornstein continues by saying that PSG and the player’s entourage had “positive talks” regarding personal matters.

When PSG makes a bid for Hojlund, Ten Hag will be extremely concerned. The rising star may find a move to the Parc des Princes alluring because they are among the wealthiest clubs in Europe and frequently win French domestic championships.

One ray of hope for Man Utd is that Atalanta, who are willing to pay more for Hojlund than PSG, are more likely to accept their offer.

The six-cap Dane is currently in an excellent position. Even though he is still in the early stages of his career, he can choose between two of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Hojlund needs to take into account playing time as one factor. If he wants to advance rather than simply warming the bench, he must make sure that he will be a regular starter at his next club.