Manchester United have begun discussions to replace Rasmus Hojlund, with Crystal Palace hitman Jean-Philippe Mateta reportedly in their sights.
United spent an initial £64million to sign Hojlund in August 2023, and the deal has the potential to rise to £72m through add-ons.
The centre-forward is viewed as a long-term project by United chiefs as he is 22 years old and still honing his craft.
But head coach Ruben Amorim has demanded the capture of a more experienced striker this summer as Hojlund is struggling for goals.
The Dane may have found the back of the net seven times this campaign, but only two of those goals have come in the Premier League.
According to French newspaper L’Equipe (as cited by Get French Football News), United are pushing to make Palace star Mateta their new No 9.
It is claimed that United have ‘opened talks’ with Palace to try and get ahead of other clubs in the race for the Frenchman.
Oliver Glasner’s side view Mateta as a crucial player but have reluctantly given him a £40million price tag.
Palace do not want to risk losing their talisman for free next year, with his deal due to expire in June 2026. Contract talks between the two parties have stalled and this has put United on alert.
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