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Price set, as Man Utd come sniffing for deadly solution to growing Solskjaer problem

Manchester United have identified Napoli’s Victor Osimhen as a firm target in their hunt for a new long-term striker signing, a report claims.

The Red Devils have a plethora of attacking talent in their ranks, but few pose as out-and-out centre-forwards. Mason Greenwood has enjoyed that role in recent times, but he has tended to start out wide.

Meanwhile, recent striker signings Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo are 34 and 36, respectively. As such, they may provide an immediate threat, but they are coming to the ends of their careers.

United have targeted Erling Haaland, 21, for some time. The Norwegian, who has scored 11 goals in eight Borussia Dortmund games this term, looks the obvious striker target.

However, Nigeria international Osimhen has made his own fantastic start to the season.

The 22-year-old has netted six times in six games – including against Leicester – and, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), he has entered Man Utd‘s radar.

Still, the Italian newspaper adds that Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have all begun to follow his progress.

Furthermore, Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis would want at least €120million (£103million).

Osimhen only moved to Serie A in September 2020 and his contract only runs out in 2025. Although, De Laurentiis and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli are considering extending those terms by another year before the end of the season.

In any case, Napoli bosses are aware that they could make a ‘substantial capital gain’ on Osimhen.

The Italian club signed him for a fee which could rise to a reported €81.3million (£70million).

Overall, Osimhen has scored 16 times in 36 games for Napoli.

Osimhen’s brother reveals Man Utd interest

Speaking last September, Osimhen’s brother Andrew revealed how the player rejected a move to Old Trafford earlier on in 2020.

He did so because of his fellow Nigeria international Odion Ighalo, another recent striker signing at United.

“It is very true that Manchester United wanted Victor. But he told me something like he had too much respect for Odion Ighalo to be competing for shirts with his senior colleague,” he said.

“My brother holds Ighalo in high esteem. He just didn’t see himself going to Old Trafford to battle for a striking role with the highest goalscorer at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.”

READ MORE: Solskjaer given major sack warning as Man Utd hero points out unshakeable flaw

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