could still rival and Arsenal for the signing of starlet Mohammed Kudus if they are unsuccessful in their pursuit of Rasmus Hojlund, according to reports.
The Red Devils have already brought in and Andre Onana this summer and are now looking to land a new number nine – though they remain some way apart in talks with Atalanta.
United are willing to spend – who netted nine times in Serie A last season – but the Italian side are holding out for an even bigger fee.
While the 20-year-old remains Erik ten Hag’s preferred choice to bring in, are reporting that they will consider alternatives if priced out of a move and may not go for a like-for-like replacement.
As well as continuing to keep tabs on Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani, United are also considering Ajax’s Kudus as an option even though he does not play as an orthodox striker.
The 22-year-old has predominantly played as either a No.10 or right winger for both club and country but his versatility means he could also be used as a false nine.
Ten Hag was actually in charge of Ajax when Kudus made the £8million move to Amsterdam from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland in 2020 and remains a massive fan of the Ghana international.
The Dutch coach has spoken ‘in glowing terms’ to his United colleagues about the attacker, praising his skill and dynamism.
Ten Hag believes his former charge has an enormous future in the game and would rather focus on securing a massive talent – even if he does not entirely fit the striker profile being looked at – rather than compromise on the quality of any forward that would be signed instead of Hojlund.
United do have one problem, though, with and the west Londoners in particular are better positioned to make a swoop now.
While United are waiting to see how their Hojlund pursuit pans out, and , Chelsea have reportedly already agreed personal terms with Kudus.
Talks have already taken place with both the player and his representatives, while Ajax are keen to cash in and will likely accept an offer in the region of £40million.
Speaking at the end of last season about Kudus’ future, the attacker’s agent, Jennifer Mendelewitsch, said: ‘I think it is best for both Ajax and Mohammed that he makes a transfer now. Now is the right time.’
Ten Hag, meanwhile, has already intimidated that he is prepared to if need be, while he hopes to be able to call upon the injury-plagued Anthony Martial more consistently next season.
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