Napoli chief gives brutal response to Man Utd's chances of signing Osimhen
Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Victor Osimhen, with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis insisting the striker is not for sale.
Osimhen is the leading scorer in Serie A this season, with his 22 goals helping Napoli wrap up the title with time to spare. The Scudetto is the club's first since 1990, when Diego Maradona - the man after whom their stadium is now named - inspired them to glory.
United and Bayern Munich are among the clubs thought to be keen on the Nigeria frontman, with reports suggesting they would need to part with as much as £150m to seal a deal. Now, though, it appears even that wouldn't guarantee a sale.
"I will not sell Victor Osimhen this summer - no way!" De Laurentiis told Rai Sport (via Goal ). The striker, who joined from Lille in 2020 and has scored 55 times in just 96 appearances for the Partenopei.
De Laurentiis also explained he hopes manager Luciano Spalletti will agree a new deal with the club. Spalletti has overseen an improvement in each of his three seasons, finishing fifth, then third, and now first.
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"I exercised the clause for the renewal of the contract, now it's up to him to say the word..." the president said. "Luciano declared that he fell in love [with Naples], here he has become a hero and it is right that he enjoys it."
Should Man Utd test Napoli's resolve over Osimhen? Have your say in the comments section
Victor Osimhen is the top scorer in Serie A this season (AFP via Getty Images)Osimhen is one of a number of attacking talents on Manchester United's radar as they aim to build ahead of the 2023-24 season. Erik ten Hag's side are on the verge of sealing qualification for the Champions League, and a new striker is understood to be their main priority.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United will not hand on-loan striker Wout Weghorst a permanent deal. The Dutchman's exit will free up space for a marquee signing in attack, with England captain Harry Kane among the other options being considered.
Kane, who has one year remaining on his contract, is high on the Red Devils' list. However, the club are determined not to be held to ransom, and have drawn up a six-man shortlist.
France striker Randal Kolo Muani is another of the names being considered. However, as with Kane and Osimhen, United could end up facing competition from Bayern Munich for the Eintracht Frankfurt man's signature.
The list is rounded out by Atalanta starlet Rasmus Hojlund, Portugal hotshot Goncalo Ramos and Ajax talent Mohamed Kudus. Ten Hag has worked with Ghana international Kudus in the past, bringing the youngster to the Johan Cruyff ArenA in 2020.
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