Latest Manchester United transfer news after Rasmus Hojlund warmed to the idea of an AC Milan move
Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund in training
Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United remain confident of selling Rasmus Hojlund before the summer transfer window closes.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, United decided they would part ways with the striker so long as they recruited a new forward to replace him. Last Saturday the arrival of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for a total £74m package was confirmed.
Ruben Amorim, therefore, has a new-look front three in place for the start of the new Premier League campaign as Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were brought in earlier this summer.
A hint to what life could be like at Old Trafford for Hojlund following those three signings came last Saturday too, when he was an unused substitute in 1-1 friendly draw with Fiorentina.
So, United feel the time is right to try and cash in on a player who only two summers ago cost them £72m.
The club have already judged around £30m to be a fair market value for a striker who last season scored only four Premier League goals in 32 outings.
However, the CIES Football Observatory has freshly updated its estimated transfer values and would suggest United are severely underestimating themselves and their Danish international.
The Switzerland-based study uses a statistical model to estimate a player's value and considers factors such as player performance, age, contract length, international status and the level they play.
And they reckon Hojlund is actually worth between £57.8m and £66.4m ( €67m and €77m).
What the CIES algorithm may not consider is the immediacy of the situation. United have less than three weeks to seal an exit for the 22-year-old and options will be limited.
Hojlund himself is known to be open to joining Serie A giants AC Milan, who have started to rebuild under returning manager Massimiliano Allegri after failing to qualify for European football this coming season.
At this stage it is unclear whether a permanent deal will be struck or if a loan will have to be a temporary solution.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan are placing priority on fixing their defence before putting any effort into signing Hojlund.
They are actively working on the signings of Zachary Athekame from BSC Young Boys and Koni de Winter from Genoa. Negotiations are also advancing to allow Malick Thiaw to join Newcastle United.
Those three transfer sagas must run their course before La Rossoneri come to the negotiation table with United.
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