Manchester United have not yet opened negotiations for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, but he is a name on their list of options.
That’s according to journalist Ciro Venerato, who says United are just in the ‘exploratory phase’ of a possible move at this point.
A report earlier today stated that Manchester United were looking at a possible move for Osimhen and had tested the waters ahead of doing so.
That made it clear that the striker would be allowed to leave Napoli this summer, although it would take €100m for that to happen.
It’s been suggested that a move for a striker could be on the cards for United and their new manager this summer, with Cristiano Ronaldo having struggled to hit the heights this year and Edinson Cavani likely to move on.
Osimhen would certainly fit the bill, having starred for Napoli this season, scoring 11 goals and registering four assists in all competitions.
Indeed, his current tally is 21 goals and seven assists in 52 games since his arrival in September 2020 are decent numbers for a 23-year-old with plenty of development left.
It seems any Manchester United fans getting excited might want to hold back, though, with Venerato insisting there is nothing advanced as yet.
“Yes, the exact term is self-interest,” Area Napoli report him saying.
“We’re not in negotiations yet, but in an exploratory phase because Manchester United will need a striker, and Napoli’s Nigerian could be the right profile. United also have another name in mind, namely Tottenham’s Kane.
“Unlike Tottenham, Napoli have to pay a lot of attention to the accounts. With an offer of 100 million, De Laurentiis could be open for a sale because that figure would guarantee his club further stability thanks to a significant capital gain.”
