‘Man United confident of beating Chelsea to Victor Osimhen deal’
Man United are confident they can convince Victor Osimhen to snub Chelsea in favour of a move to Old Trafford, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who spent over a decade at Old Trafford during the club’s most successful period and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that the 26-year-old would be an ideal fit for Ruben Amorim’s side.
However, the Red Devils are considering a number of options to strengthen up front and the recruitment team is expected to make a decision before the window opens.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in January that Man United want to sign Osimhen as an alternative to Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres this summer.
The Nigeria international is widely expected to leave Napoli this summer following a season-long loan at Galatasaray, and there is no shortage of interest in him.
Football Insider revealed on 28 March that Nottingham Forest are considering a move for Osimhen and are prepared to compete with Europe’s top clubs for his signature.
Man United eye Victor Osimhen swoop despite financial twist
Football Insider warned last month that United may find a move for Osimhen difficult given they are not expected to have big money to spend.
However, Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and also worked for the likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham, insisted that a move for the striker is on the cards as he will become available this summer.
“Man United have been keeping an eye on him this season,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s always a threat going forward and he’s got strings to his bow that I think would fit into Amorim’s system and the way he wants to play.
“But it’s up to their scouts, recruitment team, and Ruben Amorim to decide if he’s the one they want.
“They’ve been looking at a few options in that position and they’ll make a decision before the window opens about who they want to go for.
“One thing in Osimhen’s favour is that he’s going to be available.
“Some of the options United have looked at will command huge fees because their clubs want to keep them or they’re on long contracts.
“That isn’t the case for Osimhen, I think it’s pretty much accepted that he will leave Napoli.
“Man United aren’t the only ones interested, Chelsea have had a look at him and there are a few others I expect will be in the running.
“But from what I hear, United are confident they could convince him to choose them.”
Liverpool lead three-team race to sign Matheus Cunha
Alongside the likes of Osimhen and Gyokeres, another name on United’s list of targets for the summer window is Wolves star Matheus Cunha.
Brown told Football Insider on 7 April that Man United will rival Liverpool for Cunha as there is “no way” he will remain at Molineux beyond the summer.
Arsenal are also in the race for Cunha after he confessed: “I’ve made it clear that I need to take the next step. I want to fight for titles, for big things.” [The Guardian]
However, the Brazil international is believed to prefer a move to Liverpool as things stand as he continues to weigh up his options.
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