Repubblica newspaper claims Manchester United were ready to offer cash plus Rasmus Hojlund for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, but Antonio Conte still prefers Romelu Lukaku.
The plan when Osimhen signed a new contract in December 2023 was that he would be sold this summer, as confirmed by President Aurelio De Laurentiis.
However, nobody has yet come anywhere near the €130m release clause in his contract and even when reportedly dropping the asking price to €100m, there are still no takers.
Hojlund plus cash for Osimhen
According to Repubblica newspaper, Manchester United had in recent months made a proposal offering Hojlund plus cash for Osimhen.
That could be brought back if they fail to tempt Joshua Zirkzee away from Milan, a move that is being held up by the Rossoneri refusing to pay the €15m commission demanded by the Bologna striker’s agent.
The same report also claims that new Napoli coach Conte has his sights set firmly on Chelsea outcast Lukaku and would prefer him to the Denmark international.
Manchester United paid €73.9m plus €10m in add-ons to sign Hojlund from Atalanta only a year ago.
Hopefully Osimhen goes to Chelsea if he is going anywhere. Lukaku is a better prospect for Napoli being a proven goal scorer and having worked with the Manager before.