Man Utd chase back on as talks scheduled for world class Serie A striker but familiar problem clouds summer move

Manchester United look set to move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen once again with news that club officials will speak to his representatives next week.

The 24-year-old is one of the hottest properties in European football after his exploits for Napoli. The Nigeria international bagged 26 Serie A goals as I Partenopei secured the Italian top-flight crown.

Unsurprisingly, many top clubs have been linked with summer move for the talented forward.

United’s name is never far away when the African’s future is mentioned. But it appeared as though the Red Devils would miss out.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis stated back in May that there is ‘no way’ he would sell the hitman this summer. However, his stance appears to have changed.

Earlier this week, the film producer revealed that ‘if an offer came in that I could not refuse for the good of Napoli, then we would consider it’.

And it seems as though the Old Trafford giants have jumped on those words.

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri has reported that officials from Manchester United will meet his entourage next week.

Manchester United are known to be in the market for a new striker as Erik ten Hag looks to close the gap to Manchester City.

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The Dutchman has Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial at his disposal but he needs another reliable forward.

Osimhen fits the bill but his rice tag of around €150m would clearly be a sticking point for many clubs, United included.

And it does not seem as tho9ugh there will be much movement on that figure.

Work to be done on Osimhen capture

Osimhen had enjoyed a decent career before 2022-2023. He was regular scorer for Charleroi in the Belgian Pro League and for Lille in Ligue 1.

Two seasons for Napoli saw a return of 28 goals. However, the Lagos-born star took his game to a new level last term, with 31 across all competitions.

He is entering what should be the most productive period of his career and United want that to be at the Theatre of Dreams.

And it has been well documented that the player favours a move to the Premier League.

Chelsea and Liverpool have also been linked but it is United who appear further along.

But any of the trio will have to dig deep if they want the superstar on their books.

Corriere della Sera say that Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, met with De Laurentiis on Friday.

And the president insisted that the club would not waver from its initial valuation of €150m.

That equates to roughly £130m and, even in today’s market, that seems extremely high.

Osimhen has made no secret of the fact his idol is Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.

That is why a few pundits felt Chelsea would hold the edge in negotiations for his signature.

But the Blues woeful season means they cannot offer any Euroepan football.

They are in a rebuilding phase under Mauricio Pochettino and busy selling payers to balance the books.

Therefore it is unlikely the club would sanction such a huge outlay on one player.

United are in the Champions League and would seem to be at the font of the queue – but there is much work to be done on the price.

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