Hojlund throws spanner in the works in last-minute Man Utd transfer headache

Manchester United are expected to try and offload several fringe players before next week's transfer deadline and Napoli are working on a deal to bring Rasmus Hojlund in

Rasmus Hojlund may be close to a Manchester United exit but the young striker is still 'desperate' to remain at Old Trafford despite the big money signing of Benjamin Sesko.

Hojlund, 22, joined United for £72million back in the summer of 2023 but has scored just 14 Premier League goals across the last two seasons. And with United spending in excess of £200m on a new-look frontline of Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer, it's no secret that Hojlund is now effectively surplus to requirements.

With Ruben Amorim certain to install Sesko as his No 1 striker over the coming weeks, Hojlund has been the subject of strong interest from Napoli and a deal to take the former Atalanta man back to Italy, initially on loan, is now at an advanced stage.

However, The Mail report that Hojlund's preference by far would be to stay and fight for his place at United - even after being left out of the matchday squad for Sunday's 1-1 draw with Fulham.

While Hojlund that rather stay isn't ideal for United, the expectation is that he will still leave Old Trafford before the September 1 deadline. He and other fringe players are likely to feature in Wednesday night's League Cup fixture with Grimsby Town, which could turn out to be his final match for the club.

United want to make sales after spending big this summer and are prepared to take a significant hit on Hojlund; they have agreed a package worth €45m (£39m) with Napoli, who will commit to an obligation to sign the Dane permanently following his initial loan.

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Hojlund's reluctant farewell could take place in Grimsby when United head to Lincolnshire on Wednesday night. Changes from the weekend's match with Fulham are expected but Amorim would not be drawn on commenting on individuals.

"All the players are available," Amorim said in his pre-match press conference. "Then we make the choice to try to get the best starting XI to win every game. We have three games this week and we have quality players and we need to do rotation to try to win every game."