Atalanta are demanding a cash-only deal to sanction the exit of Rasmus Hojlund this summer, as per The Athletic.
Their stance comes after Manchester United offered players in a player-plus-cash proposal to try and sign the 20-year-old striker, but it was swiftly rebutted by the Serie A club.
Several players are expected to depart Old Trafford over the coming weeks, assuming the right offers come in, but Atalanta are not interested in acquiring any of them in part exchange and have instead set their valuation at £85.5 million for their young talent.
This likely rules out the speculation that outcast Mason Greenwood would be sent on loan to Italy in a bid to bring Hojlund to United, with his future still undetermined.
Ten Hag must make transfer budget work
The Red Devils reportedly have £100m in funds to navigate this transfer window and must stretch that budget for numerous positions, though a goalkeeper and a No.9 are the utmost priority given the lack of depth in those parts of the pitch.
They remain in talks with Inter Milan over Andre Onana, however, negotiations are at somewhat of a roadblock due to the clubs’ differing valuations – Inter want £51m, while United are unwilling to pay above £43m.
£85m for Hojlund is ridiculous; it’s double what he’s worth. Future potential aside, which may or may not be realised, his established record just isn’t that good. £85m is a ‘Harry Kane’ price. Atalanta are taking Man Utd for a ride.