Napoli are making significant progress in their pursuit of Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund, according to reports.
The Denmark international, who joined United from Atalanta in the summer of 2023, has struggled to consistently deliver at Old Trafford and now finds himself slipping down the pecking order. The summer arrivals of Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig have further limited his opportunities under new boss Ruben Amorim.
Although Højlund has expressed his intention to fight for a place in the squad, United are reportedly open to letting him leave before the transfer deadline. AC Milan had previously shown interest, but their recent capture of Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen has cooled their search for another striker.
That has left Napoli as a leading contender, with Fabrizio Romano revealing that talks have advanced positively.
“Understand Napoli are now advancing in talks to sign Rasmus Højlund.
“Positive talks today with Højlund and his camp about contract terms and project for long term.
“Manchester United are informed about talks and ready to get deal done if Højlund and Napoli agree on terms,” Romano wrote on X.
United are prepared to sanction a deal once the 21-year-old gives his approval to join Antonio Conte’s squad.
Napoli’s urgency for a new forward has intensified after Romelu Lukaku was ruled out for up to four months with a thigh injury. The Serie A champions had already secured Lorenzo Lucca on loan from Udinese, but Conte wants another proven option as the club prepares for a packed season that includes a Champions League return.
Højlund is no stranger to Italian football, having impressed at Atalanta with nine goals and four assists in 32 Serie A appearances before his move to England. Should he complete the switch, the Dane would be tasked with replicating Lukaku’s impact, after the Belgian produced 14 goals and 10 assists across 36 league matches last season.