Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has become the subject of one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer sagas, with AC Milan keen to lure him away from Old Trafford.
According to Gazzetta, the Rossoneri are determined to bring him back to Serie A, but the striker is dragging his heels in a desperate attempt to redeem himself at United.
The 22-year-old striker has fallen down the pecking order at United following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
Despite the crowded attacking options at Ruben Amorim’s disposal, Hojlund is still determined to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place.
Reports claim that Amorim won’t be opposed to letting the former Atalanta striker go, but that has done little to sway the player’s resolve.
Milan are looking for a new striker to partner Santiago Gimenez and Hojlund is their primary target.
The Serie A giants knew that agreeing a permanent deal would be difficult, but they were encouraged by United’s willingness to negotiate a loan move with an option to buy.
Talks advanced to the point where both clubs believed an agreement was within reach, until Hojlund himself threw a wrench in their plans.
Hojlund doesn’t want to leave United. He appreciates the interest from the seven-time Champions League winners, but he wants to prove he can hack it in the Premier League with United.
The Danish striker was benched for United’s friendly against Fiorentina over the weekend, which sent a clear message that he is now surplus to requirements.
If he was to leave Old Trafford this summer, it’s believed that he would prefer a permanent transfer rather than a loan move.
Milan are not giving up on their pursuit, but they can only wait for so long. Sporting director Igli Tare took advantage of the club’s friendly against Chelsea to stay back in England for further talks.
He is expected to speak directly with Hojlund in an attempt to convince him about the project at Milan.
The Serie A giants have set a one-week deadline for themselves. If there is no significant progress in negotiations, they’ll start exploring other options.