Glenn Fernandes
Transfer News: Newcastle United ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen
According to Italian radio presenter Luca Cerchione via Area Napoli (h/t Sports Witness), Newcastle United are thought to be ahead of Manchester United in the pursuit of SSC Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian international has also been linked to Real Madrid apart from the Premier League clubs but it is being understood that the La Liga giants would only move for the 23-year-old should they fail to land Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland.
The Magpies would also need to avoid relegation for a better chance of landing Osimhen but Man Utd could also consider themselves a good bet should they make the top four finish and qualify for the UEFA Champions League next campaign.
With a lot of uncertainty surrounding the future of the likes of Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo, the Red Devils could be forced to dip into the market for a young striker to help future-proof that striking position upfront.
Whilst the Manchester-based club has also been linked to the likes of Lautaro Martinez, Osimhen could prove to be a more attainable and affordable proposition at the moment. The 23-year-old Nigerian has been having a great season for the Partenopei this campaign having scored 11 goals and providing three assists in 20 matches across all competitions this campaign.
With the exception of their Premier League fixture against Leeds United, the Red Devils have struggled to open up defences in their recent outings. Ronaldo and Cavani have at times found it difficult to keep up with the intense style of play adopted by interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
Anthony Martial has had a strained relationship with the German manager, to say the least, and a new attacker could be a breath of fresh air at Old Trafford. It could help shore up the attacking department and help boost healthy competition amongst their forwards.
Jadon Sancho has slowly started to rediscover his form at Manchester United and Anthony Elanga has been their saviour in disguise on quite a few occasions now. The fans would be hoping that the club would start producing more clinical finishes in front of the goal and a young striker like Victor Osimhen could be the perfect solution.
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Despite his current form, producing the same level in the Premier League can be a tough task considering the pace and intensity at which the game is played. Only time can tell whether or not the Nigerian striker makes his way to the Theatre of Dreams but the club could do themselves a favour by landing a young and enigmatic striker in the summer.
