Man United transfer news: AC Milan chief confirms Rasmus Hojlund interest after £44.1m proposal

AC Milan sporting director Igli Tare has confirmed that his side are "evaluating" the possibility of signing Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund.

The Denmark international was a notable absentee from Ruben Amorim's squad to face Arsenal on the opening day of the Premier League season, as the Red Devils fell to a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

Amorim went with a new-look front three comprising Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount from the first whistle, before introducing big-money signing Benjamin Sesko in the dying embers of the match.

The former Sporting Lisbon boss suggested pre-match that Hojlund's omission was not enforced, telling Sky Sports: "It's an option. We try to choose the best players for each game. Next week is a different life, this week we chose these players."

Hojlund has nevertheless revealed his intention to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford, but he also seemingly now has Joshua Zirkzee ahead of him, while Chido Obi-Martin is incredibly highly-rated by Amorim and his coaching staff.

Milan director confirms transfer interest in Man United's Hojlund

Now, a return to Serie A is being strongly mooted for the erstwhile Atalanta BC attacker, who is said to have 'opened the door' to signing for Milan despite his wishes to make a name for himself in Manchester.

Rossoneri sporting director Tare has now publicly confirmed his side's interest in the Denmark international, telling Mediaset: "Hojlund is a good option for us.

"We're evaluating him these days, but the transfer market is unpredictable. We know we have to intervene in that position, and we also know they need to be players who can bring something extra to this group."

However, the 52-year-old also name-checked Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic as a potential summer signing, which could throw a spanner in the Hojlund works, adding: "Vlahovic? That's also an option; a striker has to arrive."

Santiago Gimenez is Milan's only recognised centre-forward at present, but he was only a second-half substitute in Sunday's 2-0 win over Bari, where Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic started as the front two and got their names on the scoresheet.

Are Man United, Milan close to Hojlund agreement?

No Man United fan needs reminding that their side paid a staggering £67.2m to sign Hojlund from Atalanta in 2023, since when the Dane has managed an unremarkable 26 goals and six assists in 95 appearances, including 14 strikes in the Premier League.

Negotiations between Man United and Milan are believed to have been ongoing for at least a week, and the Rossoneri initially offered a £5.2m loan fee with a £38.9m option to make his stay permanent in 2026, giving a total package of £44.1m.

Milan would also cover Hojlund's wages in full while he is at San Siro, but Man United are likely to want a straight sale in the current window and will demand around £30m to £40m to make a permanent exit happen within the next couple of weeks.

As a result, a deal is not currently close to being agreed, but talks will continue in the coming days if Milan are not the victims of a 'shock' hijack from a Premier League side.