Manchester United scouts attended Napoli’s midweek Champions League clash against Milan as the club continued to monitor striker Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian netted his 26th goal of the campaign as Luciano Spalletti’s side drew 1-1 on the night but it was not enough for the runaway Serie A league leaders, who were edged out 2-1 on aggregate by the Rossoneri, who set up a Milan derby in the last four against Inter.
Napoli can console themselves with the fact they are poised to win their first Serie A title since 1990 with Osimhen spearheading their title charge. The 24-year-old is highly regard by United transfer chiefs and he heads the club’s striking shortlist.
Have Your Say! Which striker should Man Utd sign this summer? Tell us what you think here.
Osimhen spoke last month that it would be his “dream” to play in the Premier League as links with him moving to Old Trafford intensified. The striker’s form has been a key reason for the club being 14 points clear at the top of the Italian top-flight.
The 24-year-old has formed a formidable attacking understanding with Georgian attacker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The two have forged a devastating partnership with Osimhen’s incredible movement in the penalty area and deadly finishing in front of goal particularly valued.
As detailed by the Daily Star, United sent a scouting delegation to Naples with the specific remit of monitoring Osimhen’s performance. The club are aware of his talents but due to his hefty price tag, they are demanding a comprehensive review of his capabilities ahead of any possible approach.
Tottenham striker Harry Kane is another who is high on United’s shortlist, but the England captain is five years older than Osimhen. While a move for the Nigerian may be complicated, United are aware of the complications of negotiating with Spurs chief Daniel Levy.
Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos and Mohammed Kudus, whom Ten Hag coached at Ajax, are also under consideration. Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani is another potential target, while the club have approached Atalanta regarding their interest in striker Rasmus Hojlund.
Osimhen recently spoke of his intention of playing in the Premier League in comments made after being named 'Best Foreign Athlete of the Year' by the Italian Foreign Press Association.
Osimhen said: "I think playing in one of the top five leagues in the world is an amazing feeling for me. A lot of people worldwide consider the Premier League as the best and the strongest league but now I'm in one of the best leagues in the world which is the Italian Serie A.
"I'm working so hard to make sure that I achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League someday but as I said, it's a process and I just want to keep on this momentum and continue to do well."
