Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag couldn’t hide his true feelings when he was asked about the recent progress made in talks with Atalanta over striker Rasmus Hojlund

Erik ten Hag couldn’t help but smile when quizzed over Manchester United target Rasmus Hojlund – and eagle-eyed fans are convinced that the Dutchman’s cheery demeanour means a deal is close.

United headed into the summer transfer window desperate to sign a new No.9, with Hojlund emerging as Ten Hag’s top target after Tottenham refused to entertain the idea of selling Harry Kane to a Premier League rival.

After weeks of speculation, it was confirmed earlier this week that United have reached an agreement with Atalanta for Hojlund’s services. The deal, which could eventually rise to £72million if various performance-related add-ons are met, will see the Italian outfit bank an initial £64m for the 20-year-old Denmark international.

Even though Hojlund’s arrival at Old Trafford is now seemingly only being held up by red tape, Ten Hag was giving nothing away when he was asked about the striker by Sky Sports.

“I can’t talk about those who are not on the contract at Manchester United,” Ten Hag insisted with a smile. “So if you want to make the question, first we have to finish something, and then after we can talk and you can set the question.

“I can’t talk about this player at the moment because I have been in football for a long time and I know first we need signings, and so far we have to keep calm and let the professionals do their work.”

Erik ten Hag couldn’t help but smile after being asked about a deal for Rasmus Hojlund ( Image: Sky Sports)

Despite Ten Hag’s refusal to divulge any real detail about talks over Hojlund, the fact that the United chief struggled to hide his smile throughout the interview appears to be a pretty good indicator that a deal for the striker is nearing completion.

A deal for Hojlund would take Manchester United’s summer spending through the £160m barrier after the Red Devils captured Mason Mount and Andre Onana earlier in the transfer window.

The onus now for Ten Hag and United is set to turn to move fringe players on in a bid to free up funds. The club have already managed to offload Anthony Elanga to Nottingham Forest, who are also expected to come to an agreement with United over Dean Henderson in the coming days.

One player whose future remains unclear is Harry Maguire: the defender is understood to want to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his future even though he was ᵴtriƥped of the club captaincy earlier this month. However, United are open to offers for Maguire, who was the subject of a £20m bid from West Ham last week. United rebuffed that proposal and are seeking at least double that figure to sell.

Source: mirror