Manchester United are keeping close tabs on Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, as Ruben Amorim wants to bolster the forward department in the January window.
After a positive start under the new manager, the Red Devils have suffered three defeats in their last four Premier League games.
Amorim must have understood by now (he hinted that in his last few pressers) that the squad needs a gradual overhaul in order to make them a powerhouse in the league once again, and the United boss could be looking to add a few players next month.
Signing a new left-back is a priority, but the club could look to sign a new striker if they decide to offload Marcus Rashford.
The home-grown striker hasn’t played a game since his shock interview with Henry Winter, where he candidly expressed his desire to move on.
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, United could look to sign Osimhen, who currently plays for Galatasaray, on loan from Napoli.
Writing for Sky Sports Switzerland, the journalist claims that United have made contact with Osimhen’s representatives, and reaching personal agreements with the striker would not be an issue.
The real problem lies in matching Napoli’s asking price for the player. Aurelio De Laurentiis, the president of the Naples club, could ask for around £62 million, which the Red Devils may not be willing to pay now.
Victor Osimhen to Man Utd? A lot of ifs and buts
United have scored only 21 goals this season, and needless to say, this is one area where quality reinforcement is needed.
Bruno Fernandes and Rashford have scored four goals each, while Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee managed five goals combined in the Premier League.
Osimhen has been linked with a move to top Premier League clubs for ages now. His goal-scoring abilities have become the stuff of legends. At 25, he has already scored 126 club-career goals and has entered the prime years of his career.
Transfer situation
Osimhem can be recalled anytime by Napoli next month, as per the agreement. This means United can still sign him in January if they want.
The Red Devils can float the idea of getting him on loan now with a view to a permanent deal next summer and see if that would appeal to Napoli.
The 39-cap Nigeria international dreams of playing in the Premier League and a potential move to Old Trafford cannot be ruled out just yet.
United need to sell before they can buy
Tavolieri says that United may need to offload a few players before they can think of meeting Osimhen’s asking price.
Despite recent transfer links, it looks unlikely Zirkzee would be sold, but Rashford could be heading towards the exit door unless his situation dramatically improves.
Many pundits feel that Rashford has been made the scapegoat in the entire fiasco, while there are others who feel it’s high time for the England striker to move elsewhere and seek new challenges.
Whatever it is, United won’t sell him on the cheap if they decide to part ways, and the money could be utilised to sign Osimhen.
