Victor Osimhen admission could boost chances of Manchester United transfer

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is keen to sign a new permanent striker to address the Reds' issues in front of goal.

The Manchester Evening News understands a striker, as well as Mason Mount, are the club's top priorities in the summer transfer window. United are keen for negotiations with Chelsea to be wrapped up soon before they turn their focus further up field.

Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane was understood to be the top target but issues have arisen regarding Daniel Levy's unwillingness to sell the striker. Fortunately, Ten Hag has a list of players who are seen as alternatives.

Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund and Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani are both players of interest as is Napoli's Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian was the star man as the Naples club lifted Serie A.

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Osimhen's 31 goals caught the eye of the United boss and earned him a place on United's shortlist for the summer. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has tried to warn off potential bidders by first putting a £150m ($190m) price tag on the 24-year-old's head and then suggesting the striker has agreed a two-year contract extension in principle.

However, Osimhen's admission when at Lille in 2020 suggests United could sway him to leave Italy. "Of course, one day I’d like to play for a big club in England," he told The Independent.

"I’ve spoken to Odion [Ighalo] about it. He gave me very good advice, he’s a legend and a big brother.

"My goal is to play at one of the biggest clubs in the world but now I’m very happy in Lille. My priority is to play a lot of games. Signing for a big club and being on the bench is not exciting for me."

Ighalo's influence in Osimhen's life could play a