Man United dealt huge blow in pursuit of Serie A star

Manchester United will continue their pre-season preparations with a friendly against German side Borussia Dortmund on Monday. 

Erik ten Hag’s side have beaten Lyon and Arsenal so far this summer but also lost to both Wrexham and Real Madrid, although the Dutchman did field a youthful side against the National League champions.

The Red Devils have signed both Mason Mount and Andre Onana during the current transfer window, but Ten Hag is still on the hunt for a new striker.

Cristiano Ronaldo departed Old Trafford last November and United are yet to sign a permanent replacement for the Portuguese; Wout Weghorst was signed on loan from Burnley in January but failed to score a single Premier League goal during six months with the club.

Now, though, it appears that United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of a Serie A star.

As per Football Insider, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is in talks to sign a new contract with the Italian side.

Osimhen looks likely to sign a new contract with Napoli

Osimhen, 24, has established himself as one of Europe’s best forwards in recent seasons and has been linked with a possible move to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils registered their interest in the Nigeria international earlier this year, the report claims, but the player is now close to signing a contract extension in Naples.

Last term, Osimhen scored 26 goals in 32 matches as Napoli won the Serie A title for the first time in more than 30 years.

The forward joined Napoli from French side Lille back in 2020 and has since scored 59 goals in 101 matches for the club across all competitions, as well as providing 14 assists.

The report also claims that Osimhen is set for a huge pay increase when he signs his new deal, which will likely put him among the highest earners in the Italian top flight.

It is also claimed that the contract will include a release clause for the player, which will be set at a fee in excess of £100 million.