Manchester United have agreed a deal with Napoli for Rasmus Hojlund on a season loan, which includes a conditional obligation of €44million (£38m; $51.4m).

The clause to sign permanently kicks in if Napoli qualify for the Champions League. United would in addition receive a significant loan fee on signing.

But Hojlund, 22, is still to agree to the move. He has expressed his desire to stay at United and that remains a possibility. But has been left out of three matchday squads this campaign. The call on a transfer will now be his.

United signed Benjamin Sesko in a deal worth €76.5m at the start of August and have since been looking to recoup cash via player sales, with Hojlund seen as a viable option. His absence from squads is a sign of United’s intentions.

He has attracted interest from Atalanta, RB Leipzig, and Newcastle, but Napoli have come forward with a deal that United have accepted. Napoli have been in the market for a striker since Romelu Lukaku was sidelined for several weeks due to a thigh injury suffered in pre-season.

After the 1-0 opening day defeat by Arsenal, United head coach Ruben Amorim said: “It is a fight for the places, we will see what is going to happen on the market. Different characteristics. Rasmus has the same characteristics as Ben Sesko, so sometimes we need to choose.”

Hojlund’s former side Atalanta have also been following the situation and have given consideration to bringing him back to the club.

Competition for minutes leading the line at Old Trafford has increased after the arrival of Sesko from RB Leipzig, with Joshua Zirkzee and teenager Chido Obi also among head coach Ruben Amorim’s options. New signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have also operated as strikers at their previous clubs.

Hojlund was an unused substitute in United’s 1-1 draw with Fiorentina in their final pre-season game with attacking midfielder Mason Mount starting in the No 9 role, which he reprised against Arsenal before Sesko replaced him for his debut.

Hojlund made 52 appearances for United last season but only found the net 10 times, with just four of those goals coming in the Premier League.

He came through the academy at Copenhagen in his native Denmark, making his debut in October 2020. He signed for Austrian club Sturm Graz in 2022 before moving to Serie A club Atalanta later that year. In July 2023, he arrived at United in a deal worth €75m in 2023, plus €10m in performance-related add-ons. Hojlund has made 95 appearances for the club, scoring 26 times and providing six assists.

While on international duty with Denmark in June, Hojlund said that he intended to remain at the club and battle for his spot in the squad. “I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United,” he said. “I’m looking forward to going on a summer vacation, and then I’m fully dedicated to the project that’s underway.”

(Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)