Rasmus Hojlund is set to leave Manchester United this summer, with Napoli interested in signing the Danish striker, according to reports.
The Red Devils have told the 22-year-old, who was left out of the squad for their Premier League opener, that he can leave the club.
Hojlund was signed from Atalanta in 2023 for £72million, but now looks set to depart Old Trafford. United are believed to be asking for £40million for the striker, but could entertain a loan deal under the right conditions. However, they prefer a permanent sale.
Napoli consider move for Hojlund after Lukaku injury blow
Italian giants Napoli are now considering a move for Hojlund after suffering an injury blow. Former United striker Romelu Lukaku is expected to miss at least three months of action after picking up a thigh issue for the reigning Serie A champions.
Napoli released a statement on Monday, which read: "Following the injury sustained in the match against Olympiacos, Romelu Lukaku underwent tests at Pineta Grande Hospital, which revealed a high-grade injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh.
"The Napoli player has already begun rehabilitation and will also undergo surgical consultation."
Gli Azzuri have already signed Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese this summer, but now want to bring in another option. Should Hojlund be brought in, he'll reunite with former Man United teammate Scott McTominay, who has excelled since joining the Naples outfit last summer, winning the Serie A Player of the Year award as he helped them to their fourth Scudetto last season.
Napoli can offer Hojlund European football that the Red Devils can't, with Antonio Conte's men competing in the Champions League proper for a second successive season.
Why is Hojlund leaving Manchester United?
Hojlund has lost his place in the Man United team after Ruben Amorim brought in three new forwards. United have signed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo and Benjamin Sesko to massively bolster their front line.
That has left Hojlund tumbling down the pecking order, with the Copenhagen-born forward being ruthlessly dropped against Arsenal on Sunday.
Speaking after that game, Amorim said: "At United, if you don't do what's required, a teammate will take your place.
"I've made a lot of mistakes, but I've shown that if you deserve it, you play...he has to fight for his place.
"We will see what's going to happen in the market. Rasmus has the same characteristics as Ben [Sesko], so sometimes we need to choose."
Other clubs interested in Hojlund
Since it became clear that Hojlund was no longer wanted at Man United, multiple clubs have been linked. In fact, he was even offered in negotiations for Sesko with RB Leipzig, but he told the club he didn't want to leave.
Following the arrival of the Slovenian though, Hojlund has reluctantly accepted that a departure will be happening.
AC Milan have been in talks with United over a potential move, but they are believed to prefer a loan deal with a buy option. Milan's sporting director, Igli Tare, has confirmed their interest in the forward, saying: "Hojlund is a good option for us. We are thinking about him, but in the transfer market, you never know what could happen."
It means that two Serie A giants are emerging as potential destinations for Hojlund, who could return to Italy.
