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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Kieran King

Man Utd 'target £84m Darwin Nunez alternative' as Erik ten Hag seeks more firepower

Manchester United are reportedly leading the race to sign Victor Osimhen this summer as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster their ranks up front.

The Napoli forward has been in excellent form this season, scoring 16 goals in 28 appearances. He also scored twice against Leicester City in the Europa League back in September.

That has sparked interest from the Red Devils, who are hoping to strengthen their attacking options with Edinson Cavani set to leave the club and Marcus Rashford's future in doubt. Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently turned 37, has netted 22 times in 35 games this term.

According to La Repubblica, United have tabled a £84million bid for the Nigerian international. This offer would put the Red Devils in a commanding position to sign him as it matches Napoli's valuation.

A number of other Premier League clubs have also expressed an interest in Osimhen. Arsenal and Newcastle United are amongst the potential suitors for the 23-year-old and both have prioritised a striker as their main targets.

The Gunners have struggled for a regular goalscorer all season, especially after the departure of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang to Barcelona. Alexandre Lacazette has led the line well but he has just four league goals to his name, while Eddie Nketiah has failed to impress despite scoring twice against Chelsea.

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. (Getty Images)

Should Manchester United sign Victor Osimhen this summer? Let us know in the comments below!

Meanwhile, Newcastle missed out on Darwin Nunez and Hugo Ekitike in the January transfer window, with Chris Wood their only attacking addition. But the New Zealand international has grabbed just two goals in 14 appearances since joining from Burnley, leaving Newcastle hopeful of adding more firepower.

It is understood the Red Devils also want to sign Nunez and Ten Hag is keen to bring in another forward. Osimhen may fit the bill due to his pace and work-rate, which would suit the Dutchman's high-pressing, attacking approach.

He is tempted to move to Old Trafford and it is believed his agent Roberto Calenda had a "secret meeting" with Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis on Wednesday. The Italian side could decide to sell Osimhen despite spending £76million on the forward in 2020 after he joined from Lille.

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