One Manchester United target is mulling over all of his options leading into the summer window.
Indeed, Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg claims Victor Osimhen is ‘planning a permanent departure’ from Napoli as soon as his loan with Galatasaray expires.
The prolific goalscorer headed to Turkey last September following a notorious fallout with Antonio Conte, which culminated in him being stripped of his number and removed from the side’s Serie A squad list. When a move to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ahli fell through, Osimhen agreed a season-long deal with the Turkish giants.
Now that his temporary spell is drawing to a close, Galatasaray are adamant about keeping hold of the frontman, who’s scored 29 goals in 33 appearances for them, long-term. However, they simply do not have the funds available to activate his £64.4 million buy clause or to fully cover €11m-a-year salary.
The latest on United/Osimhen
That’s where United could well come in, as reports have suggested that the Reds maintain their longstanding interest in Osimhen amid their search for a clinical No.9.
Liam Delap is said to sit firmly atop INEOS’ shortlist of targets this year, presumably due to three key reasons: he’s only 22 years old, is now a Premier League-proven option, and is poised to be available for just £30m if Ipswich Town fall victim to the dreaded drop come the end of the term.
United have been deemed favourites in the jam-packed race to sign the Tractor Boys’ talisman. However, one factor that may hinder their approach is a potential lack of Champions League football.
It’s thought Delap is keen on plying his trade in Europe’s elite competition next season, and the Red Devils’ only remaining route to securing a spot via a Europa League triumph in May.
Osimhen, meanwhile, has played in three separate UCL campaigns – twice with Napoli and once with Lille in 2019/2020, so may not view it as a non-negotiable in any potenial negotiations with United.
