Manchester United are one of the teams interested in signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to the Corriere Dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

The Nigerian international is set to sign a new contract with the Serie A champions but a release clause will be included that will encourage bids for the player.

While the exact figure is not known at this stage, it is believed that Osimhen’s buyout fee will be in excess of €100m (£86m), and it could be staggered based on the profile of the team that makes an approach.

That means the bigger the club, the more expensive the forward will be to sign, so United will certainly not be able to get the 24-year-old on the cheap.

There will be fierce competition for Osimhen

The Corriere Dello Sport claim that the Red Devils will be joined by Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle in the race for the Nigerian’s services.

They say that Chelsea are currently “in the lead” to snap up Osimhen, as he has “always been a fan” of the Blues. They are likely referring to an interview that the player did with John Obi Mikel last month. It should be pointed out that he also mentioned United on the podcast.

Could United afford Osimhen?

Manager Erik ten Hag has already played down the possibility of any big signings happening during the January transfer window. However, with it being expected that Osimhen will stay with Napoli until the end of the season, it does raise the prospect of a summer bid.

The Red Devils could certainly do with strengthening their options up front. Rasmus Hojlund may have cost £72m but he is still very young, and he is clearly feeling the pressure of leading the line, having yet to score in the Premier League. If they can afford Osimhen, it is a transfer that United should seriously consider.