Manchester United propose player-plus-cash deal to sign Victor Osimhen

Manchester United are preparing a bold move for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, with a potential player-plus-cash offer that could see Rasmus Hojlund head to Napoli in return.

According to Foot Mercato, United have opened talks with Serie A champions Napoli, proposing a deal that would include Hojlund and around €40 million (£33.6m) for Osimhen.

Osimhen just completed a fantastic season on loan at Galatasaray and has become one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe this summer.

Reports claim United’s transfer chief Matt Hargreaves was recently in Italy for face-to-face talks with Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis and sporting director Giovanni Manna.

Osimhen has a €75m (£63m) release clause in his contract, but that clause is only applicable to clubs outside Italy, with Napoli keen to recoup significant value if he leaves this summer.

The Nigeria international couldn’t have asked for a better loan spell at Gala.

He scored 36 times and weighed in with another eight assists in 40 games across all competitions, leading the Turkish powerhouse to a league and cup double.

Osimhen will return to Napoli, and Partenopei head coach Antonio Conte hasn’t completely closed the door on the Nigerian striker.

However, Osimhen’s relationship with the club hierarchy is dead in the water, so he’s expected to find new employers this summer.

Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with the 26-year-old, but the Gunners are currently focused on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, while the Blues are reluctant to match Osimhen’s wage demands.

United are in the market for a reliable striker after a miserable season. After watching Liam Delap slip through their grasp, they now want to land a marquee striker, and Osimhen fits that description.

However, they have limited funds to work with this summer. Even with player sales, United will need to be smart in the market, considering the scale of the rebuild needed.

Hojlund is considered dispensable at Old Trafford, but he still has a huge market in Italy. Napoli are one of those to have expressed an interest in the Danish striker, and United want to capitalise.

The Red Devils have a decent relationship with Napoli, so that could smooth negotiations, but Osimhen also has a lucrative offer on the table from Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal.