Manchester United’s deal for Rasmus Hojlund could inadvertently help push defender Harry Maguire towards West Ham United.
United finally confirmed the signing of Hojlund over the weekend after weeks of rumours.
Hojlund has arrived from Serie A side in a deal totalling around £72million if all add-ons are met down the line.
The Dane was presented to the United crowd at Old Trafford on Sunday as the Red Devils beat Lens 3-1.
Hojlund represents a major signing for United and hopefully the future of Erik ten Hag’s attack – and Atalanta are now spending to replace him.
Atalanta complete Premier League raid to replace Rasmus Hojlund
Atalanta only signed Hojlund from Sturm Graz last summer and can’t have imagined needing to replace him after less than a year.
West Ham United have now confirmed that giant striker Gianluca Scamacca has left the club to join Atalanta on a permanent basis.
Atalanta have agreed to pay a package of €25million (£21.5million) plus €5million (£4.3million) in add-ons, taking the deal to almost £26million.
Scamacca left Sassuolo for West Ham last summer but only managed three goals in 16 Premier League appearances.
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The Hammers have now allowed Scamacca to leave and that extra cash injection from selling him may just fall into United’s hands…
West Ham United ramp up Harry Maguire move
The Hammers already had cash after selling Declan Rice to Arsenal, but they are immediately looking to spend just hours after selling Scamacca.
The Sun report that West Ham have now launched a £30million bid for United defender Harry Maguire.
It’s stated that West Ham have failed with a £20million offer but have now increased their bid.
The Hammers are in talks over Maguire’s wages with David Moyes desperate to land the centre back.
Maguire has lost the captaincy at Old Trafford and United would happily sell amid links to Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
Maguire could also do with a fresh start away from United, especially with Euro 2024 on the horizon.
The domino effect of the Hojlund transfer has seen Atalanta invest in a West Ham player, but could now see money return to United as the Hammers look to spend.