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Erik ten Hag may not be convinced by Amad as Man Utd boss plans exit in transfer swap
Erik ten Hag is reportedly prepared to wave goodbye to Amad to secure one of his top transfer targets.
Erik ten Hag wants Man Utd to use FA Cup final defeat as motivation
Erik ten Hag is ready to use Amad to lure Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United this summer, according to reports. Despite the 20-year-old's promising recent stint at Sunderland, Ten Hag could ship him out another loan in the coming months to sweeten a deal for his former club.
United identified Hojlund as a top transfer target after walking away from negotiations for Harry Kane due to Tottenham Hotspur's refusal to sell to a Premier League rival.
However, Ten Hag's hopes of signing an alternative striker were dashed in quick succession after Atalanta reportedly demanded £86million to part ways with Hojlund in the current transfer window.
United have other options on their radar, but the 20-year-old's stock could rise higher before next summer if his development continues on its current trajectory.
And Ten Hag is said to be willing to use Amad's potential return to Bergamo as a makeshift in a deal for Hojlund.
According to journalist Steve Bates, Ten Hag is willing to offload the Ivory Coast winger for another season if it convinces Atalanta to lower their asking price.
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Amad joined United in an initial £19m deal in 2021, making nine senior appearances since, and has taken time to adapt to English football.
But he burst to life at Sunderland this season, registering 14 goals and four assists in 42 appearances to help fire the Black Cats to the Championship play-offs.
Ten Hag expressed his delight with Amad's progress at the end of the campaign, leading many to believe he was ready to give his No 16 a chance to shine in pre-season.
He could be a valuable asset in the Dutchman's hopes of sealing a deal for Hojlund, though, who has emerged as one of Europe's most exciting young strikers.
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The report lists four other names on Ten Hag's shortlist, including Napoli frontman Victor Osimhen.
But the Serie A champion's asking price for the 24-year-old is expected to stifle United's pursuit yet again.
The M16 giants are also said to be eyeing Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani, 24, and Benfica's Goncalo Ramos, 21.
Lille forward Jonathan David, 23, is mentioned as another target after netting 26 goals this term.
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