Napoli boss Spaletti reacts to Ronaldo, Osimhen swap links

Napoli boss Luciano Spaletti ‘would love to work with Cristiano Ronaldo’ but says there have been no talks between the club and the Manchester United forward.

Ronaldo has been linked with a host of clubs this summer as he pushes to leave Old Trafford in search of Champions League football elsewhere.

Ronaldo is keen to leave Man Utd this summerCredit: EPA

Recent reports have linked the veteran with a move to Napoli, with his agent Jorge Mendes reportedly proposing a deal that would see Victor Osimhen go the other way.

🗣 – Napoli manager Spalletti: “I’d love to work with Cristiano Ronaldo, of course but there are no talks. I think it’s difficult [CR7-Osimhen swap deal] but you should ask our director Giuntoli.” [@FabrizioRomano] pic.twitter.com/OftXV7QwTw

— UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) August 27, 2022

The 23-year-old Nigerian striker has impressed in Serie A with Napoli and started this season well, scoring two in two.

Spaletti admits that he is a big fan of Ronaldo, but does not sound hopeful of bringing in the 37-year-old, while he also does not see a swap deal with Osimhen happening.

Osimhen is a long-time target for the Red DevilsCredit: Rex

‘I’d love to work with Cristiano Ronaldo, of course, but there are no talks,’ said the Napoli manager.

‘[Aurelio] De Laurentiis [Napoli president] told me that he has not received anything.’

On the potential swap for the two forwards, he added: ‘I think it’s difficult, but you should ask our director [Cristiano] Giuntoli.’

Napoli can offer Ronaldo the Champions League football he desires, having been drawn in the group stage alongside Liveprool, Rangers and Ajax.

Napoli boss breaks silence on Cristiano Ronaldo-Victor Osimhen swap transfer talk and would love to manage Man Utd star https://t.co/Qc6gTLNp9l

— The Sun – Man Utd (@SunManUtd) August 27, 2022

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They have also started well in Serie A, winning both games so far in style, beating Verona 5-2 in their season opener, then Monza 4-0 last week.

Ronaldo is now struggling to get into the Manchester United team under Erik ten Hag, starting on the bench for their last two matches, both of which the Red Devils won.

However, United are not keen to let him go unless they can get another forward in before the deadline, which is approaching fast.