Rasmus Hojlund's Man Utd exit finally confirmed as club chief speaks out

Rasmus Hojlund joined Italian side Napoli on loan for the season and appears to have done enough to earn a permanent move to Italy when his temporary deal comes to an end

Rasmus Hojlund WILL become a permanent Napoli player even if the terms of his loan deal are not met. The Manchester United forward joined the Italian side on loan last summer with the option to make it permanent.

That would become an obligation should Napoli qualify for the Champions League come the end of the season. The reigning champions currently sit third in the Serie A standings and five points clear of Como.

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has however confirmed that Hojlund will be signed permanently either way. He said: “There are no doubts.

“Rasmus Hojlund will stay here. We have an obligation to buy from Man Utd, if Napoli qualify for Champions League, but he is in our plans despite this condition.”

Napoli are set to pay €44m (£38m) to seal a permanent deal which would represent a significant loss on the £64m that United paid to sign him from Napoli two-and-a-half seasons ago.

Hojlund has enjoyed an impressive season this term with 13 goals to his name in all competitions, as well as four assists. The Danish international has already expressed his desire to remain in Naples.

Speaking earlier this campaign, he said: “l'm not in the centre, but I’m dying to explore the alleys and heart of Naples, but I know it won’t be easy to get around. I sense the incredible energy the city exudes.

“I can feel it every moment – its vitality and personality are everywhere, not just at Maradona when we play. It’s an underestimated city, not even a little dangerous, despite so many rumours from afar.”

Hojlund also confirmed his desire to lift more silverware with the club. He added: “I came here because I wanted to win trophies, and winning the Italian Super Cup was proof that my choice was the right one.”

Hojlund will be back in action for Napoli this weekend as Antonio Conte’s men host Como. While the forward continues to hit impressive form for his adoptive employers, his replacement at Old Trafford also appears to have finally found his feet for United.

Since his arrival from German side RB Leipzig in the summer, Benjamin Sesko has scored eight Premier League goals - six of which have come since the turn of the year. The Slovenian will be aiming to extend that positive run of form as Michael Carrick’s side host Aston Villa.