Although Rasmus Hojlund intends to stay and fight for his place at Manchester United, the 22-year-old striker is not part of the plans for head coach Ruben Amorim following the arrival of former Juventus target Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
Juventus are one of four Italian clubs who are keen to land the Denmark international, who joined United following his impressive 2022/23 campaign for Atalanta.
AC Milan, whose manager is ex-Juventus chief Max Allegri, appear to be in pole position to secure the center-forward on a loan with an option to purchase at the end of the season for €40 million (US$46.4m).
Inter Milan, under new boss Cristain Chivu, have had a double bid, to also include forward Joshua Zirkzee, rejected by United. Their advantage over Milan, like Juve, is that they offer Champions League soccer.
Cash-strapped Juventus are interested in a season-long loan for Hojlund, which would cost the Turin titans €6m (US$6.9m) and a salary of €3.8 (US$4.4m). Yet United are holding out for a permanent move, which has stalled negotiations over a potential move.
Hojlund is fully aware that opportunities could be limited this term, following their recent attacking transfers. Antonio Conte, who is constantly exploring bringing in Premier League outcasts to Napoli, is also monitoring Hojlund’s availability before the window closes.
Juventus prefer cash swap deal
United slapped a €50m (US$58m) price tag on Hojlund last month, which put off Napoli, but have reduced their valuation. Juventus were only initially interested if a cash swap deal could be agreed with either unsettled midfielder Douglas Luiz or wantaway striker Dusan Vlahovic moving to Old Trafford.
He has struggled in the English top tier since his €83.4m (US$96.9m) transfer to United two years ago. Hojlund warmed the bench in Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Fiorentina, as Amorim employed a false nine that indicates further uncertainty over his United future.
Hojlund is eager to be playing regularly in order to earn international call-ups, with his goal to compete in next year’s FIFA World Cup finals.