Manchester United offered Fred as part of a deal for Rasmus Hojlund – but Atalanta have turned down that proposal.
United look poised to announce the singing of goalkeeper Andre Onana in the coming days.
The Inter stopper will join Mason Mount at Old Trafford as United add two major signings to Erik ten Hag’s squad.
The attention must now turn to a new striker and Atalanta hitman Rasmus Hojlund is one of the main names in the mix.
Convincing Atalanta to sell the Dane is proving tricky though and one swap offer has now been rejected.
Manchester United fail with Fred swap offer
Fabrizio Romano has told Caught Offside that United offered up midfielder Fred to Atalanta as part of a deal for Hojlund.
However, Romano believes that Atalanta have absolutely ‘no interest’ in Fred as they aren’t looking for midfielders.
“Atalanta won’t be easy to negotiate with, as they want €65-70m for Hojlund and have already rejected the possibility of signing United players as part of the deal,” said Romano. “One of the players discussed was Fred, but Atalanta had no interest as they’re not looking for players there.”
“Atalanta have made it very clear that they want money, not players; something around €70m. Manchester United are now expected to bid soon, let’s see how much, but they want Hojlund as their new striker, and he would also love the move to Old Trafford. Another other option being considered is Randal Kolo Muani, but at the moment the focus seems to be on Hojlund,” he added.
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Fred is attracting interest from elsewhere though.
Romano believes Saudi Arabian clubs are keen whilst West Ham United have also been linked by reporter Graeme Bailey on the Talking Transfers podcast.
We’re expecting to see Fred leave United this summer with the Brazilian unlikely to play a key role under Ten Hag moving forward.
Rasmus Hojlund move in the balance
Atalanta are sticking to around €70million (£61million) for Hojlund, a fee which United consider expensive.
There are now increasing noises that United could walk away from Hojlund with ESPN reporting that the Red Devils may scrap a move.
That report highlighted major interest in Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani.
Maybe this is United just teasing interest in another forward to try and tempt Atalanta into selling Hojlund.
A move for the 20-year-old hitman appears to be stuck at the moment though and with Atalanta having no interest in Fred, United need to come up with a better offer if they want the Dane this summer.