Manchester United are reportedly prepared to break the bank and match the British transfer record Chelsea paid for Enzo Fernandez by launching a £107m bid for Victor Osimhen.
The Napoli striker has become United’s top summer transfer target off the back of impressive performances that have seen him score 16 goals and become Serie A’s top scorer.
Osimhen continued his stunning form with a brace in Napoli’s 3-0 away win over Spezia on Sunday that saw them extend their lead at the top of the Italian league to 13 points.
United first-team manager Erik ten Hag has had to rely on an injury-prone Anthony Martial and January loanee Wout Weghorst to lead the line in United’s three-pronged attack this season.
But the Dutchman is keen to bring in a new superstar striker in the summer as he attempts to build on what has been a brilliant stellar debut campaign in charge of the Red Devils.
La Gazzetta dello Sport have suggested that Napoli believe the Premier League giants will match the £107m asking price inserted in the 24-year-old’s existing contract.
However, United could face competition from Todd Boehly’s high-spending Chelsea who are also expected to enter the race for Osimhen’s signature in the summer.
The Blues have been forced to use Kai Havertz as a false number nine despite splashing the cash on a plethora of January attacking talent.
Premier League title-chasers United will reportedly look to let Anthony Martial leave the club in the summer after another unimpressive season as the club’s main striker.
That would leave Ten Hag without a recognised striker, leaving Osimhen as an ideal replacement for the gaping hole in his squad’s attack.
United have exceeded all expectations during Ten Hag’s debut campaign in charge of the club with the 13-time Premier League champions lying third in the league standings and just three points behind reigning title-holder Man City.
Marcus Rashford’s devastating goalscoring exploits that have seen him score 18 goals in all competitions for the club this season have been key to the club’s ongoing success but has also made the need for a key strike partner evermore apparent.
The club also hold suggested interest in Tottenham and England captain Harry Kane, but a deal with a Premier League rival may be harder to strike.
