"World-class" £65m star attracted by Man Utd move, Red Devils have explored transfer - report

Manchester United are poised to sign a marquee striker during the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils have already purchased Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers to bolster their attack this summer.

The club are also in advanced negotiations with Brentford to recruit Bryan Mbeumo.

An elite centre-forward could be targeted next. Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Napoli star Victor Osimhen could still be an option for United.

Despite missing out on Champions League football, the Red Devils still have the ‘burning magnetism’ to attract quality players including the striker.

Meanwhile, Corriere del Mezzogiorno report that United have looked at the possibility of signing Osimhen from the reigning Serie A champions.

However, they have been put off by the ‘very high engagement’ in terms of the transfer fee and wages.

United unlikely to pursue a deal for Osimhen

The 26-year-old spent the previous campaign on loan at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals and provided eight assists from just 41 appearances.

Osimhen is now prepared to pursue a permanent exit from Napoli. Al Hilal have come forward to sign him, but the Nigerian star prefers to continue in Europe.

United are a ‘dream‘ destination for the former Lille man, but a deal appears unlikely on the cards.

Napoli want Osimhen’s suitors to pay the £65 million release clause. United may not afford the package unless the Naples outfit open the door for a long-term payment plan.

However, the major stumbling block for United could be the wages. As per Fabrizio Romano, Osimhen is eyeing a net annual salary of £10.38 million, which equates to £199,000 per week.

This would be more than £350,000 per week before taxes in the UK. United are unlikely to make such a huge outlay to bring Osimhen to Old Trafford this summer.

Osimhen, described as “world-class” by manager Jose Mourinho, would be a significant upgrade over Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, in terms of positioning and finishing skills. He is a traditional striker with a keen eye for goal.

Despite this, United seem reluctant to pay substantial wages, and the onus is on the striker to lower his demands.

If he were to accept a weekly salary of around £250,000, it could prompt the Red Devils to consider a possible deal.

Article written by Sri Aswin .