Napoli 'willing to include clause with obligation to buy' Hojlund

Napoli are 'willing to include an obligation to buy clause' in any deal for Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund.

The Italian champions have been stepping up talks with United for Hojlund, as reported by Simon Jones for Daily Mail Sport.

And according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, rather than simply a loan with a buy option, Napoli are now willing to commit to an obligation to buy.

The Italians want the Denmark international following injury to Romelu Lukaku and Hojlund is interested in a permanent switch after being told he will receive limited opportunities at Old Trafford this season.

Napoli faced competition from AC Milan, who have also expressed an interest in the striker, though their move for Victor Boniface appears to have them covered up front.

Daily Mail Sport last week revealed Milan offered a £4.5million loan fee with an option to buy for £39m.

It came after Fulham showed a tentative interest in Hojlund. The Cottagers has been weighing up a move for the player as Rodrigo Muniz is the subject of bids from Atalanta.

However, Hojlund has been digging in his heels saying he wants to stay and fight for his place - despite Benjamin Sesko arriving for £73m as part of a new look £200m frontline.

In a clear sign his future lies away from Old Trafford, Hojlund was also left out of the squad by manager Ruben Amorim for United's 1-0 defeat by Arsenal in their Premier League opener on Sunday.

He has scored 26 goals in 95 appearances for United since signing from Atalanta for £72m in the summer of 2023.

If he moves to Napoli, Hojlund will re-unite with former United teammate Scott McTominay, who won the league with Antonio Conte's side in his first season in Italy.

Given the additions of Mateus Cunha, Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo, in addition to Joshua Zirkzee's role in attack, United are now well stocked at that end of the pitch.

Evidently it could suit both the club and Hojlund to make a fresh start in the league that he impressed United enough to splash out £73m on him.

There have been flashes of his potential at Old Trafford but the striker failed to deliver on a consistent basis last term in what was a nightmare season for United.

Given the outlay on Sesko, he will now be the man expected to lead the line for Amorim this season.