Napoli have entered the race to sign Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund after suffering a major injury blow on the eve of the new campaign. Romelu Lukaku, the former Man Utd forward, is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a thigh injury in Napoli’s final pre-season friendly against Olympiacos at the weekend.

Hojlund faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford following the signing of fellow striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

Rasmus Hojlund’s Manchester United career has reached a turning point as the club prepare for a high-profile Premier League opener against Arsenal at Old Trafford. The Danish striker, signed from Atalanta for an initial £64m [$86m] transfer feein 2023 has been omitted from United’s squad for the visit of the Gunners.