Man Utd primed to smash British transfer record in £123m move that will thrill Tottenham
The signs are beginning to point towards Man Utd moving for a £123m-rated centre-forward whose transfer will be greeted warmly over at Tottenham, per reports.
Despite Marcus Rashford’s irresistible form, Manchester United are hunting a brand new centre-forward in the market. Rashford has been deployed in central areas of late with Wout Weghorst occupying the No 10 role.
However, varying outlets, not least the Telegraph, all concur a new No 9 is wanted by Erik ten Hag.
The Telegraph recently insisted Tottenham’s Harry Kane and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen are the two targets Ten Hag will choose between. Given the calibre of each frontman, the Dutchman can hardly go wrong.
However, both moves are laced with difficulty. Spurs will be extremely reluctant to sell to a domestic rival, while Napoli are notoriously tough negotiators. The fact both players will cost north of £100m is an issue in itself.
Yet recent reports have begun to suggest there may be a slight softening in the stance over in Naples.
Napoli president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, recently opened the door to a move despite previously stating Osimhen was not for sale at any price.
“I am very good at making contracts, so when they come to me, they are blocked, so keeping them here won’t be difficult,” said De Laurentiis.
“However, I will never say never. Sometimes there are offers you can’t refuse, so you never know. To me, though, I hope we’ll see them shine for a long time.”
De Laurentiis’ comments were in relation to the likes of Osimhen, Hirving Lozano and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The player of greatest interest to United is Osimhen.
The 24-year-old has bagged 18 goals and four assists across 19 Serie A matches this term. He’s put his past injury issues to bed and his all-action displays and willingness to press would suit Ten Hag down to the ground.
Now, a fresh report out of Italy has offered a fresh update on Osimhen’s future, including conforming where Man Utd’s stiffest competition will come from.
Osimhen speaks; price named; Man Utd’s stiffest competition
Il Mattino carry quotes from Osimhen himself who like De Laurentiis, has left the door ajar to a blockbuster exit.
“When you do so well it is normal that the best clubs look at you,” said Osimhen. “Attracting their interest gives me the motivation to do more for me and for my team.
“I’m only focused on Napoli, they have the last word. At the end of the year we’ll see what happens, but it’s not up to me. It belongs to the company.”
Il Mattino add an ‘indispensable offer’ will make De Laurentiis ‘say yes’ despite his previous bravado.
On the subject of how big of a bid is needed, the figure of €140m (approx. £123m) is cited.
A £123m transfer would smash the British transfer record set just last month by Chelsea. The Blues forked out £106.8m to sign Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez, though the record may not stand for long.
Ironically enough, it’s claimed Chelsea will provide the strongest competition for Man Utd in the Osimhen chase.
Il Mattino namecheck the English pair as well as Atletico Madrid. However, the cash-strapped Spanish side stand virtually no chance of competing with the financial might of the Premier League clubs.
Osimhen has played for four different teams over the last six seasons. The report adds he’s keen to put down his roots and ‘get off the carousel’.
A blockbuster move to Man Utd would allow him to do just that, with a switch to Old Trafford likely to be a career-defining one.
In the event United are able to sign Osimhen, the news will be warmly received over in north London.
Harry Kane is United’s other focus in the final third and signing Osimhen would remove the biggest obstacle between Kane and a long-term contract extension with Spurs.
