Napoli open talks with Man Utd after Lukaku injury – but NOT for Zirkzee

Napoli have opened talks with Manchester United for Rasmus Hojlund, not Joshua Zirkzee, following Romelu Lukaku‘s long-term injury.

The reigning Serie A champions are heading into their season opener against promoted Sassuolo without their star striker. Lukaku has suffered a muscle tear that is set to keep him sidelined for at least the next three months, leaving Napoli scrambling to find a new forward.

The Belgian’s injury has given rise to rampant speculation about his immediate future – he could be unregistered for the first half of the season – and potential replacements.

Man Utd forward Joshua Zirkzee is among the most prominent names to be associated with a switch to the Partenopei, but Fabrizio Romano reports that a more concrete option is actually his teammate Rasmus Hojlund.

The Red Devils intend to keep Zirkzee this summer and are instead looking to offload Hojlund, which has presented an opportunity for Napoli to sign a striker and to get one over on Serie A rivals AC Milan.

Napoli hold Hojlund talks

That is because Milan have an agreement in principle with Man Utd to loan Hojlund for the season, with the deal set to include an option to purchase the 22-year-old. However, the player is said to be in favour of a permanent switch rather than a loan and has yet to greenlight the move.

According to Romano, Napoli have made ‘direct contact’ with Man Utd to explore the feasibility of signing Hojlund. The Red Devils will care little where the striker ends up as long as someone matches their €45 million asking price.

Man Utd are open to a loan with a permanent element attached, but they would naturally prefer an outright sale this summer as they remain in the market for reinforcements, particularly in midfield and potentially at goalkeeper.

It remains to be seen if Napoli will cough up the money for Hojlund. The Serie A side have spent €89m on new recruits this summer, but they should still have some money available after raking in €126.5m from sales, with Victor Osimhen alone bringing in €75m.

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