GdS: ‘A gift for Max’ – how Milan hope to wrap up Hojlund deal before Serie A opener

The time has come to speed up: AC Milan and Manchester United are working to finalise Rasmus Hojlund’s move back to Italy.

La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) write this morning that United have been open about the terms of the loan with an option to buy for a week now, but the two clubs now need to agree on the price of the buy-out.

Milan started with a total valuation of around €40m, while the English club were even going as high as €50m. Both sides, however, know they’ll have to make concessions for the deal to be successful, reaching a middle ground of around €5m for the loan and just under €40m for the option.

The two teams agree on one thing: it’s time for Hojlund to move on. United already made this clear to the Dane, first by not playing him in the friendly against Fiorentina, and then by making it clear in a face-to-face meeting with the player himself.

If that weren’t enough, keep an eye on Ruben Amorim’s selections for Sunday’s league opener at Old Trafford against Arsenal. In England, they’re confident that Rasmus is clearly behind Sesko, Cunha, Zirkzee, and Mbeumo in the Portuguese manager’s pecking order.

Where the deal stands

Milan, for their part, contacted Hojlund’s representatives (and his father, Andres) on Tuesday evening to confirm their desire to bring him to San Siro, receiving the forward’s clear approval.

The Dane values the Milanese club for its tradition and is attracted by the opportunity to work with Massimiliano Allegri, but clearly wants guarantees regarding the Rossoneri’s project around him. Not so much financially (Milan will cover his €4m per year salary), but rather on the purely playing side.

In this sense, Hojlund would like reassurances regarding the possibility of a permanent move in a year’s time, should his experience in Milan prove successful. Either with an obligation set upon achieving objectives or with a figure that leaves Milan leeway to exercise this right.

Igli Tare wants a striker in before the league opener next Saturday at San Siro against Cremonese. The hope is still to fulfil this promise to Allegri, but negotiations for Hojlund don’t appear to be nearing completion, which is why Milan is forced to keep potential alternatives alive to avoid surprises.

Yesterday, the English media reported Fulham’s interest in the Dane, but Borussia Dortmund are also keeping an eye on things. Until the deal is finalised, Hojlund remains coveted by other teams.