Manchester United are hoping to recruit Atalanta attacker Rasmus Hojlund before the start of the new Premier League season.

On August 14, the Red Devils will play the Wolves in their 2023-24 season opener.

Following Wednesday’s 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in Houston, manager Erik ten Hag stated that club officials were working “24/7” to finalize a deal for a new front.

Hojlund is at the top of their list, but if a fee for the 20-year-old Danish striker cannot be agreed upon, United have other options.

They are also interested in Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani, a French attacker, and Ajax’s Ghana international Mohammed Kudus, who can play both as an attacking midfielder and a center forward.

United’s transfer budget is constrained by new Financial Fair Play laws, but they have the option of bringing in Hojlund without selling players.

However, additional departures are expected following Anthony Elanga’s departure for Nottingham Forest.

It is well acknowledged that Hojlund is inexperienced and seen as a rough diamond, and his presence may force Marcus Rashford to play as a central striker on occasion during the forthcoming season.

However, it is believed that Hojlund, who has also played for FC Copenhagen and Sturm Graz in Austria, is the type of player who will benefit from Ten Hag’s coaching tactics.

There has been no agreement on a cost, but Ten Hag’s statements are expected to give a new push to communication between the clubs over a player valued at more than £60 million.

United’s prospects of acquiring Hojlund have risen as Atalanta are close to signing El Bilal Toure from Almeria to replace the Dane.