29 July 2023 , 14:01
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Rasmus Hojlund has been left out of the Atalanta side to take on Bournemouth in a pre-season friendly with his proposed move to Manchester United 'advancing'.
The Serie A side face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday afternoon as Atalanta ramp up their preparations for the new campaign. However, Hojlund has not been included in the team to take on the Cherries as he closes on in on a big-money move to Old Trafford.
Gian Piero Gasperini named ex-Leicester star Ademola Lookman up front in Hojlund's absence, with Martin de Roon and Davide Zappacosta among the other former Premier League players included in the XI. Hojlund travelled with the rest of the squad but will not play as United and Atalanta agreed to avoid any risk of injury.
It comes as Fabrizio Romano revealed the two clubs are 'closer' to reaching an agreement over a move for Hojlund this summer. The Red Devils are confident they can get a deal done in time for their opening Premier League game against Wolves on August 14.
Atalanta value Hojlund at £80million, and although United are not willing to spend that much, there is an expectation that a compromise can be made. United do not feel Hojlund, who scored 10 times in 34 appearances last season, is worth more than between £50m and £60m.
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The Italian outfit are already preparing to lose Hojlund as they completed the signing of El Bilal Toure from Almeria on a permanent basis on Saturday. The 21-year-old, who was also linked with £25m move to Everton, scored seven times in 20 matches for the La Liga side last term.
United have a good working relationship with Atalanta, after signing winger Amad Diallo from them in 2021, and believe they can land Hojlund to boost Erik ten Hag's attack. There is an acceptance that it may take Hojlund time to adapt to the English game, with Ten Hag also prepared to start the season with Marcus Rashford up front.
Rasmus Hojlund is closing in on a move to Manchester United (Getty Images)Jadon Sancho also played in that no.9 role against Arsenal last weekend and the Dutchman was full of praise for how United attacked in that game, despite not playing with a recognised centre forward. The Red Devils won that match 2-0 in the United States with Bruno Fernandes and Sancho scoring.
"I think it's very good," United boss Ten Hag said. "The way we played, I was really pleased, how active we were in and out of possession. "That is the way we want to play and that is the only period of the year you can really work in training and translate it to games without it having consequences.
"But still, we want to win, and I think the lads showed we played a good game. Of course, they are all great games. We have to go and it helps us to progress and especially those opponents, they are good."
United were unable to replicate a similar result as they were beaten by Real Madrid on Thursday, with Jude Bellingham and Joselu finding the net for Carlo Ancelotti's side. The Red Devils are next in action when they face Borussia Dortmund on Monday in their final friendly in the US.