ISTANBUL, TURKEY - NOVEMBER 07: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray celebrates after the team's victory in the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Galatasaray A.S. and Tottenham Hotspur at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on November 07, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Victor Osimhen is back on Manchester United’s radar (Getty)
Manchester United have begun talks with Napoli over a deal for Victor Osimhen for the summer transfer window, according to reports in Italy.
United are in the running to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, who is available due to the £30 million relegation release clause in his contract.
However, it’s now understood that the 22-year-old’s preference is to join Chelsea this summer.
United are exploring alternative options with Ruben Amorim remaining a huge admirer of Viktor Gyokeres after managing him at Sporting CP, however, they face strong competition from Arsenal and the Portuguese club value the striker at €80m (£67m).
Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli report that United have stepped up negotiations to sign Osimhen as Matt Hargreaves, the club’s director of football negotiations, has travelled to Italy for talks with Napoli owner, Aurelio De Laurentiis, and the Italian side’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna.
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It’s claimed that Hargreaves was in Naples last weekend to discuss a potential deal for Osimhen, while the newly crowned Serie A champions want Hojlund plus an additional €40m (£33.6m) from United.
GAZIANTEP, TURKEY - MAY 14: Galatasaray Player Victor Osimhen hold the trophy to celebrate after winning the Ziraat Turkish Cup Final match between Trabzonspor and Galatasaray at Gaziantep Stadium on May 14, 2025 in Gaziantep, Turkey. (Photo by Seskim Photo/MB Media/Getty Images)
Victor Osimhen helped Galatasaray win the Turkish league and cup double this season (MB Media/Getty)
Osimhen also has a €75m (£63m) release clause in his contract with Napoli which is only valid for teams outside of Italy.
Napoli already have a strong relationship with United following their £21m deal to sign Scott McTominay last year.
Osimhen, meanwhile, has just spent the season on loan at Galatasaray where he scored 36 goals in 40 appearances to help the Turkish club win the league and cup double.
The 26-year-old came close to joining Chelsea last summer and John Obi Mikel, the club’s former midfielder who was part of negotiations, claims the Nigeria international remains keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.
The Saudi Pro League have also retained their interest in Osimhen after failing with a move last year and reports in Saudi Arabia last week claimed that the striker had agreed a three-year contract to join Al-Hilal, who are due to play at the Club World Cup this summer.
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