Softfootball reports that Napoli has moved quickly in the transfer market after confirmation that Romelu Lukaku will be sidelined for more than three months. The Italian club opened direct talks with Manchester United on Sunday, asking about the possibility of a loan deal for Danish striker Rasmus Højlund.
United’s response was firm on one point: Joshua Zirkzee will not be leaving. Despite speculation linking the Dutch forward with Napoli, the Premier League side made it clear that there are no negotiations underway for him.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the developments on his official X handle, writing:
“Napoli had direct contact with Man United today following Romelu Lukaku’s injury as he’ll be out more than 3 months. Napoli asked for loan deal conditions for Rasmus Højlund. Man United want to keep Joshua Zirkzee, no talks despite links today. Clear plan by Rúben Amorim.”
This latest approach comes in the wake of previous reports from June, when both Napoli and Inter Milan were said to be monitoring Højlund’s situation. At the time, Højlund was understood to be open to a return to Serie A after a difficult season in Manchester, scoring just 10 goals across 52 appearances.
Back then, Napoli’s financial strength, boosted by the sale of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, made them one of the few clubs who could realistically meet United’s valuation, thought to be between €40m and €50m. Manager Antonio Conte was also believed to be pushing for the move, having been an admirer of the 22-year-old for some time. Inter’s interest focused more on a loan with an option to buy, but that route stalled due to their own transfer priorities.
Now, with Lukaku injured until at least November, Napoli’s need is more urgent. While talk of a potential swap involving Victor Osimhen and Højlund has cooled, the Serie A side are exploring loan conditions directly, seeing the Dane as a short-term fix who could also become a longer-term option.
For Manchester United, the situation is framed within manager Rúben Amorim’s wider plan. Amorim wants depth in his squad, especially with Zirkzee already settling in, meaning the club is cautious about weakening its attacking options just before the season starts.
