The off-and-on summer transfer saga of Lille Metropole of France striker, Victor Osimhen took yet another very dramatic twist early Saturday, with reports emerging that the Super Eagles’ youngster received a very late yet extremely tempting call from Manchester United of England, megasportsarena.com gathered.
The Reds Devils reportedly moved directly in order to snatch a deal under the nose of SSC Napoli of Italy for the in-form Osimhen, who has emerged as one of Europe’s top summer transfer targets and potential prospect for a bright future, following his breakout season in France.
Consequently, Italian ace journalist, Ciro Venerato reported early Saturday that United have not given up the race to land Osimhen ahead of Napoli, and The Red Devils eventually made a move to prove their desire by making direct contact with the youngster’s new agent.
This is despite widespread reports that Napoli are on the verge of signing Osimhen within the next hours, having been linked with the lad for over six months and eventually holding talks for a week, after which they are said to have agreed an 81m Euro (or £46m) transfer fee with Lille.
An additional report by United must now turn their attention to the summer transfer window having left their business until late in January, when they brought in Bruno Fernandes and Odion Jude Ighalo in the final days of the winter window but they are still expected to be active in the summer as they aim to restore their former glories.
That has ostensibly spurred the Old Trafford side to make a formal contact for Osimhen, who struck 18 goals across all competitions during his first season at the Ligue 1 outfit, whose top officials have repeatedly admitted that the player will soon be sold to a bigger club.
There was a suggestion last week that Napoli were on the brink of signing the 21-year-old Chile 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup top scorer, but CalcioNapoli24 reports that Man United have made contact with Osimhen’s representatives to discuss the likelihood of a change of heart from the player.
Although United are currently well stocked for options down the middle of their attack, Ighalo is only due to remain at Old Trafford until January and Venerato says the ex-Eagles’ hitman’s compatriot could also soon be on his way to Manchester.
Venerato told CalcioNapoli24: “A few hours ago Manchester United phoned Osimhen’s new agent to find out if he had signed with Napoli. If an offer from United comes, there would not be many possibilities because they have an economic power superior to that of Napoli.”
