Man Utd, Newcastle handed decisive update on future of €100m striker tipped as Ronaldo’s Old Trafford successor
Manchester United and Newcastle may have to pursue alternative strikers after a crucial update on the future of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
United are heavily reliant on club legend Cristiano Ronaldo, as shown by his hat-trick in the recent 3-2 win over Tottenham. However, the Portugal international is 37 and as such will not be around forever.
Team-mate Edinson Cavani is in the twilight of his career too, meaning a replacement must soon be found.
The Red Devils are long-term admirers of Erling Haaland but may struggle to land the Norwegian ahead of rivals Manchester City.
Instead they could look to Serie A hitman Osimhen, although Newcastle also hold an interest.
According to reports earlier this month, the Magpies are at the front of the queue to land Osimhen this summer. Any deal would cost upwards of €100million (£84m).
However, there has now been a pivotal update on the goalscorer’s future and it is not good news for the two Premier League clubs.
Victor Osimhen to remain in Naples
According to Sky Sport Italia journalist Mario Giunta, Napoli have no intention of selling Osimhen. Furthermore, the centre-forward will not push for a move – making a transfer pretty much impossible.
“There are many clubs on the Nigerian, but I feel like giving some news: Osimhen will stay in Naples again next season,” Giunta said (via Sport Witness).
“Aurelio De Laurentiis and Luciano Spalletti are crazy about him and have no intention of getting rid of him.
“In addition, the former Lille man earns important figures in Campania. He is fine and doesn’t press to go away.”
Osimhen has been in good form this season, netting 13 times in 24 appearances so far. Add four assists to that record, and it’s clear to see why United or Newcastle may want to bring him in.
However, Osimhen seems happy in Naples and could also pick up silverware later this term. Napoli are rivalling AC Milan for the Serie A title, which would be their first since 1990.
Ralf Rangnick makes Juan Mata admission
Meanwhile, interim boss Ralf Rangnick has been speaking about attacking midfielder Juan Mata.
The playmaker is out of contract on June 30, leading to interest from Spain. Real Sociedad and Real Betis are both keen to engineer a free transfer deal.
And a parting of ways would make sense, given Mata’s dwindling game time at Old Trafford. He is yet to appear in the Premier League this season, instead featuring in cup competitions.
Nevertheless, Rangnick believes Mata could still feature in Tuesday’s clash against Atletico.
Rangnick told a pre-match press conference: “He is very popular in our group.
“I think everybody likes Juan a lot and he can still play on this level, but it’s a question of competition.
“We have quite a few players for those midfield places and I will also have to decide between five or six players for tomorrow’s game.”
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