Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti has ruled out a swap deal for Cristiano Ronaldo but said he, like all coaches, would be open to working with the superstar.
The striker’s future at Manchester United is unclear with just five days to go until the end of the summer transfer window. In recent weeks, reports emerged that suggested a trade deal for attacker Victor Osimhen could be on the table.
However, the player’s agent came out to dismiss the rumours on Friday, tweeting: "No negotiations in progress, no swaps. Victor Osimhen is a Napoli player and wants to play in the Champions League.”
READ MORE: Manchester United told Victor Osimhen is 'stronger than' Cristiano Ronaldo in key area
Spalletti reiterated this when speaking to reporters on Saturday, adding that “nothing concrete” has been agreed regarding a Ronaldo transfer. "If you're asking me if I'd like to work with Ronaldo, I tell you no coach would say no to that,” he said.
“However, as Osimhen's agent said, there are no negotiations. Speaking to [President Aurelio] De Laurentiis, he told me that he received no offer, so let's remain as realistic as possible here and take into consideration only things that could happen.
"There are only a few days left in the transfer window, it seems unlikely that could go through. There is nothing concrete at the moment.”
Detailing that Osimhen would have to be the one to signal his intention to exit, Spalletti added: "It wouldn't be a swap (deal), it would be two different signings, in that case. Osimhen is the one who has to be the protagonist there.
“With a player like Osimhen, who is so talented, we know there is the permanent risk that some rich owner around the world will wake up in the morning and decide to buy him and that includes a club like Manchester United."
READ NEXT:
