Napoli are unlikely to accept the inclusion of either Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee as part of a deal to sanction the sale of Victor Osumhen to Manchester United.
United are almost certainly set to dip into the summer market for striker reinforcements, as Hojlund and Zirkzee continue to struggle at the club.
In the past few games, Hojlund has primarily shouldered the responsibility of leading the line for United while Zirkzee has been deployed in the number 10 role.
As United were dumped out of the FA Cup on Sunday by Fulham, Hojlund struggled yet again and failed to break his duck after being hauled off in the 68th minute while the Red Devils were chasing a goal. He was replaced by Chido Obi, who showed more attacking thrust during the time he was on the pitch.
Hojlund has not found the back of the net since bagging a brace in the 2-1 Europa League group stage victory over Viktoria Plzen on December 12.
A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United are willing to include Hojlund in a swap deal to sign Osimhen in the summer.
It was stated that in addition to Hojlund, this arrangement would include a €40m (£33m) fee.
However, according to journalist Emanuele Cammaroto, this is something that is unlikely to interest Napoli, who want straight cash.
Cammaroto also notes that it’s improbable Antonio Conte’s side could be tempted by Zirkzee – another United player they’ve been linked to in the past.
Cammaroto said on Napoli Magazine [via SportWitness], “The player [Osimhen] has long expressed himself and there are no signs of an opening for a return to Napoli.”
“The most probable way is that Napoli go for a transfer at the beginning of the market and there is the Manchester United shot, which insists on a way that will not find a positive response, that of inserting a quid pro quo.”
“First offer €40 million plus Hojlund, who Napoli like but not under these conditions. As a second hypothesis, there is Zirkzee, who Napoli and Conte also like but De Laurentiis wants €75m for Osimhen.”
Last month, Fabrizio Romano relayed that Osimhen is open to joining United in the summer.
Earlier today, Romano spoke on his YouTube channel and insisted that nothing is currently advanced.
“Despite reports in the last 2-3 days saying Osimhen has an agreement with Man Utd, there’s still no confirmation on this.”
“United are not in advanced or concrete talks for Osimhen. They have more names on their list. United still don’t know how much they’ll spend on a striker, and Osimhen will not reduce his salary.”
Osimhen has been in terrific form at loan club Galatasaray this season, racking up 22 goals and five assists in just 28 appearances across all competitions.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
