Rasmus Hojlund sends emotional message to player linked with £34m Manchester United transfer

Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has sent a message to a former teammate who has been linked with following him to Old Trafford this summer.

Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini has been heavily linked with a move to United during the summer transfer window. The Manchester Evening News understands United are eyeing two central defensive signings in the summer as INEOS embark on their first transfer window at the club.

However, it seems that a move this summer may be unlikely for Scalvini. It was confirmed on Monday that the 20-year-old has suffered an ACL injury which occurred during Atalanta's final Serie A match of the season on Sunday.

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Scalvini scored in Atalanta's 3-2 defeat to Fiorentina but was substituted in the final minutes of the contest. Now it has been confirmed that the centre-back has suffered a serious knee injury just days before the start of the European Championships.

The defender was named in Italy's provisional squad for the upcoming tournament. Now Scalvini will spend the next few months on the sidelines in recovery.

Hojlund was teammates with Scalvini during his time at Atalanta before completing a £72 million move to United last summer. The Reds striker sent a message to his former teammate soon after the news of the injury was confirmed.

"Giorgio Scalvini my bro. You will be back stronger," wrote Hojlund on his Instagram story.

United have been linked with a move for Scalvini for several months. It was reported by Corriere della Sera in February that United were interested in signing the Atalanta defender but would face competition from Man City, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

Scalvini helped Atalanta win the Europa League this season and finish fourth in Serie A to qualify for next season's Champions League. Reports have speculated that Scalvini is valued at €40million (£34million) by Atalanta, but the priority now will be ensuring the defender returns to full fitness.