Manchester United won’t be able to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen during the January transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Nigerian international has been suggested as a possible replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo but Romano says the forward’s asking price, combined with Napoli’s reluctance to sell, make a deal in the New Year very unlikely:

“I’m afraid I wouldn’t get too excited about links with Victor Osimhen. Napoli insist they won’t sell Osimhen or any other player in January. The price tag in the summer was €120m (£103m) and nothing happened, now they’re doing great in Serie A and Champions League so there are no plans to sell him in January at all.”

From the looks of things, United will be looking at much cheaper options as they seek to strengthen up front in January. Barcelona’s Memphis Depay seems to be the standout candidate at the moment.

However, there is also a possibility that manager Erik ten Hag may decide against signing another out and out forward. PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo has been on the club’s radar since the summer and he could be a target that the Red Devils revisit in January.

In terms of Osimhen, any approach would probably have to wait until the summer but United are likely to have more competition then. The 23-year-old has also been linked with Chelsea and Arsenal in recent months.