Victor Osimhen is a transfer target for Manchester United this summer as Erik ten Hag seeks to strengthen his forward options.
A new centre forward is a clear priority for United this summer after a third-place finish in the Premier League in the recently concluded campaign. Marcus Rashford was the club's top scorer by a large margin with 30 goals and more support is needed in the forward areas to reduce the reliance on the England international.
United have been left short in that area following Cristiano Ronaldo's sudden departure in November. Wout Weghorst was signed on loan in January from then-Championship side Burnley.
However, the Dutchman scored just twice for United in the second half of the campaign for Ten Hag's outfit. United are said to have decided against signing Weghorst on a permanent basis this summer and so the Old Trafford club are on the hunt for reinforcements.
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Harry Kane has been pinpointed as a top target this summer, but United are operating under the assumption that Tottenham Hotspur will not sanction the sale of their skipper to the Old Trafford club this summer, even though he is approaching the last 12 months of his contract. Kane would be able to walk away for free in mid-2024.
Osimhen is another target and at 24, is a younger alternative to Kane. He has come off the back of winning the Serie A title with Napoli and plundered 59 goals in 101 games for the Italian side, including 31 in the recently concluded campaign.
The Nigerian has two years left to run on his deal at Napoli and it remains to be seen if United do indeed turn all their interests into landing his signature. But if he does, aside from his clear goal threat, Osimhen also possesses a facet to his game which Ten Hag will like.
The United boss likes his forward players to contribute to defensive duties and put in a high work-rate off the ball. Though Weghorst did not sparkle in front of goal, he did show endeavour and a willingness to help out defensively.
And Osimhen, speaking to France Football in April, revealed how this aspect of his game has been demanded from him by now former Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti. The striker revealed his now-old boss would go 'crazy' if he did not contribute to defending.
He said: "With Spalletti I have no choice. I score goals, but I'm also the first defender otherwise he goes crazy.
"The coach is a genius, if we do what he tells us on the pitch, we can beat any opponent."
A Manchester Evening News special souvenir edition - Fergie's First - charts United's 1992/93 title-winning campaign and you can get your hands on one here
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