Napoli have held initial talks with Manchester United over the transfer of Rasmus Højlund, discussing a loan deal with an obligatory buyout clause.
Manchester United and Højlund appear set to part ways this summer, as the striker’s place in the pecking order at Old Trafford has significantly dropped.
After being the club’s first-choice striker for two consecutive years, due to inconsistent performances, United began searching for a new star to lead the front line, eventually setting their sights on RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, whom they successfully signed this summer. The Slovenian international had already shone in the Bundesliga before joining United and made his Premier League debut against Arsenal on Sunday.
As a result, following Højlund’s move to Old Trafford, the Danish international’s run of consecutive appearances has come to an end, and he was even omitted from the matchday squad for the opening round of the Premier League.
The striker appears to be getting a way out, leaving United to return to Serie A, where he previously enjoyed success with Atalanta, and several Italian clubs are currently vying to sign him. Now, Napoli seem to be the frontrunners to land Højlund.
With Højlund now a target for United’s clear-out, Napoli are interested in the Danish forward and are actively pushing for the deal, having already held initial negotiations with United.
Napoli have proposed a loan-to-buy deal, with a loan fee of €4 million and an obligatory buyout clause of €45 million. A principle agreement has not yet been reached, but both parties are working towards this direction.
Højlund shares a similar view with United in wanting an obligatory buyout clause; however, he insists on having this clause written into the contract to secure his long-term status at the club.
