Man U waits on Napoli to decide Osimhen’s transfer

Man U waits on Napoli to decide Osimhen’s transfer

Manchester United is thought to be operating on a low starting net spend this summer, putting the emphasis on Dan Ashworth to make sales count.

The Red Devils are targeting a defender, midfielder and striker this summer, meaning it is almost certain that player sales will be needed to fund new arrivals. It also infers that United will not be able to spend big on a single signing.

And when it comes to finding a striker, United will likely look for someone who can support and perhaps challenge Rasmus Hojlund rather than usurp him. The 21-year-old is a long-term £72m investment and reports of an exit seem far-fetched, to state the obvious.

Italian media had claimed United had put forward Hojlund in a swap deal for Napoli attacker, Victor Osimhen, which is almost certainly false given MEN Sport has been told that the Dane is one of only four players exempt from sales this summer.

Osimhen’s reputed £110m release clause is too extortionate for United to even consider, with Napoli said to be holding out for close to that figure. The trouble is that few clubs would be willing to pay nine figures for a forward who only scored 15 league goals last season.

Napoli may need to lower its price, but United cannot afford to wait around to see whether it does or not.

But, the option is there if wanted given both players hold release clauses. As for Osimhen, the ball is in Napoli’s court.