Amad Diallo of Manchester United could help Erik ten Hag sign Rasmus Hojlund

According to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, Manchester United teenager Amad Diallo might assist Erik ten Hag sign Rasmus Hojlund.

In recent weeks, Erik ten Hag’s search for a world-class striker has taken a back place to Mason Mount’s £65 million signing from Chelsea.

Meanwhile, since David de Gea announced his departure from United this summer, the club has been forced to focus on finding a new goalkeeper.

Andre Onana has been lined up to replace the Spaniard, and an agreement is anticipated to be struck soon.

However, according to Sheth, a no. 9 remains a “big, big priority”.

“The no. 9 remains a big, big priority for Manchester United and they remain in talks with Atalanta over the striker Rasmus Hojlund,” he told Sky Sports on Tuesday.

“As with Onana, a gap in valuation still exists between what Manchester United are prepared to pay and what Atalanta want.”

“But there seems to be a willingness and cautious optimism that maybe a deal can be struck because United are getting encouraging signs that Hojlund would want to make that move to Old Trafford,” Sheth added.

And it appears that Ten Hag has a secret weapon in the form of Diallo to assist in signing Hojlund.

Diallo may help Manchester United sign Hojlund.

Sheth also stated that United could loan Diallo to Atalanta as part of a deal for Hojlund this summer, while Ten Hag is hesitant to allow the Ivorian depart before observing him in pre-season.

“I believe United is also looking into other options for a deal.” “There’s always the possibility of loaning Amad Diallo to Atalanta,” he continued.

“However, some of the noises we’re hearing now are that Erik ten Hag, after his impressive season at Sunderland, wants to see him in pre-season first before making a decision on Diallo.”

Diallo joined United from Atalanta in 2021, thus the Serie A club is familiar with the player from his six years there.