manager has held several conversations with Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund as he looks to secure a new striker, according to reports.
The Red Devils have made signing a proven goalscorer their top priority this summer and want contract rebel as their top choice.
However, there are increasing fears that Spurs will not sell even if they receive an offer in excess of £100million, despite the 29-year-old being out of contract next year when he can leave for nothing.
That has seen United look for alternatives, with football director John Murtough .
It appears a move for the young Atalanta striker is rather more advanced, with the reporting that Ten Hag has already spoken with the youngster.
The Dutchman has been impressed with Hojlund and feels he is an attainable target, while he could also serve as an understudy to a more senior striker – such as Kane, if Spurs were convinced to sell.
Interestingly, SEG International agency – who represent Ten Hag – are also trying to acquire Hojlund as a client, which could make talks even smoother.
Ten Hag has already held ‘multiple video calls’ with the Denmark international, while Murtough has spoken to both the player and his club.
Atalanta are thought to be prepared to cash in for a reasonable fee, having only spent around £14million on the striker when he signed from Austrian club Sturm Graz in August of last year.
Hojlund has been likened to Erling Haaland with his massive frame and electric pace and he netted eight times from 19 starts in his first season in Serie A.
He has also shone for Denmark since being called up to the senior team, scoring a hat-trick against Finland in March and following that up with a brace against Kazakhstan a few days later.
Ten Hag has previously intimated that he has already spoken to some of United’s summer targets, saying last month: ‘I see a big difference in comparison with last year. There were a lot of reservations last year when I spoke with players and now many players see the project, what’s going on, the dynamic and the ambition in this project, the quality especially. They are really keen to come, I’ve noticed that.
‘It looks like there were a lot of reservations last year, a lot of doubts when we approached players. This year, many quality players really want to come.’
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