MANCHESTER UNITED are prepared to sell Rasmus Hojlund in a cut-price deal – although the Dane wants to stay at Old Trafford.
In the clearest sign that the United hierarchy are clearing the decks to bring in prime target Benjamin Sesko, Ruben Amorim is ready to let Hojlund go if a deal can be made.
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United will accept just £30m for the 22-year-old Hojlund, less than half the price they paid Atalanta to land him two years ago.
With three years left on his current contract, Hojlund still has an accounting “amortisation” cost of £38.4m.
That means a £30m fee would represent a PSR “loss” of £8.4m, although United would get his annual £4.4m salary off their wage-bill.
Amorim is not desperate to lose the Danish striker and any sale would be contingent on United getting in an upgrade.
Leipzig striker Sesko is the preferred candidate, although United are locked in a battle with Newcastle to land the Slovenian.
The Bundesliga club are playing hard to get in a bid to get at least £70m up front for Sesko, 22.
Sesko missed Saturday’s friendly defeat to Atalanta after Newcastle made their opening £65.5m bid, with a further £4.4m in add-ons, which was rejected.
United are also pressing to land the striker and Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schafer said: “In Benji’s case, several clubs have shown concrete interest.
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“Based on the overall situation, we decided he would not play.
“But, I would like to emphasize this clearly, that does not mean that he will not play next week either.”
Leipzig are determined to get the maximum price for the striker, even briefing they may not sell him at all and can raise money through the disposal of £61m Chelsea target Xavi Simons – also left out against the Italians – and Belgian striker Lois Openda, who is wanted by Sunderland.
Hojlund may be disappointed to learn United are willing to cast him aside after making plain his wish to stay following the Premier League Summer Series win over Bournemouth on Wednesday.
The Dane said: “My plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens.”
