Man Utd 'reach verbal transfer agreement' as flight booked for striker

Manchester United reached an agreement with Napoli over the transfer of Rasmus Hojlund on Thursday night, according to reports in Italy. The 22-year-old striker is set to leave Old Trafford after just two years and will hope to reignite his career as effectively as former United midfielder Scott McTominay.

Ruben Amorim informed Hojlund that minutes would be hard to come by this season during pre-season, opening the exit door. He doubled down on his stance by excluding the Dane from his squads in the opening three games of the campaign against Arsenal, Fulham and Grimsby Town.

Hojlund was thought to be desperate to stay at United and fight for his place, but he now looks set to depart before Monday's transfer deadline.

According to Italian outlet Il Mattino, Hojlund can now be considered a Napoli player after the Serie A champions struck an agreement with United on Thursday.

The Red Devils wanted Napoli to accept conditions that would make the deal permanent if they qualify for the Champions League.

That request has been granted, meaning Gli Azzurri will pay a £4million loan fee before signing Hojlund for £39m next summer, should they trigger the obligation.

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The report adds that Hojlund is expected to fly to Italy on Friday to undergo medical tests and complete his medical.

It's claimed that Napoli want their newest addition to be present at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium for Saturday's Serie A clash against Cagliari.

Antonio Conte pushed for Hojlund's arrival after Romelu Lukaku suffered a serious thigh injury that will keep him out of action for up to four months.

That sparked the United No. 9's return to Italy two years after leaving Atalanta for Old Trafford in a £72m transfer.

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Hojlund scored 26 goals in 95 appearances for the Red Devils, including 14 strikes in 62 Premier League games.

He only scored four times in the league last season, though, contributing to United's dismal record of just 44 goals as they slumped to a 15th-place finish.

Amorim reacted by splashing £208m on three new forwards, recruiting Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.

Hojlund is joining Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho as attackers leaving Old Trafford this summer.