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Five forwards Manchester United could sign this summer

Sports Mole picks out five forwards who Manchester United could target this summer, including Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane.

Manchester United are widely expected to enter this summer's transfer market for a new centre-forward.

Cristiano Ronaldo's departure at the end of last year, coupled with Anthony Martial's injury problems, have left the Red Devils short of options when it comes to the centre-forward spot.

Wout Weghorst has proved to be a crucial player for the club since his arrival on loan from Burnley, but as it stands, the Netherlands international will be heading back to Turf Moor this summer.

Man United are in a strong position to qualify for next season's Champions League, currently sitting third in the Premier League table, while they are among the favourites for the Europa League this term.

Work is already happening behind the scenes to identify the ideal striker, and here Sports Mole takes a look at five players who could be targeted by the 20-time English champions in the summer market.


Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

Napoli's Victor Osimhen celebrates scoring their first goal on February 21, 2023© Reuters

Widely thought to be Man United's leading target this summer, Victor Osimhen has been in excellent form for Napoli during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 21 goals and registering four assists in 25 appearances.

The Nigeria international has 19 goals in 20 Serie A outings this term, with Napoli in an incredibly strong position at the top of the table, sitting 18 points clear of second-placed Inter Milan.

The Blues are also in the last-16 stage of the Champions League, and it would not be a shock to see Osimhen move on this summer if he picks up a couple of trophies.

The 24-year-old - also admired by Chelsea and Atletico Madrid - would likely cost in excess of £100m, but he could potentially lead the Man United line for the next six or seven years.

Osimhen has taken his game to a new level this season, and there is a belief that he is Ten Hag's leading centre-forward target for this summer's transfer window.


Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)

Harry Kane celebrates scoring for Tottenham Hotspur on February 5, 2023© Reuters

There is again speculation surrounding Harry Kane's future, with the England captain facing a huge decision this summer when it comes to a potential new deal.

The 29-year-old has entered the final 18 months of his contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and it would not be a shock to see Man United press ahead with a move for him this summer.

Kane has again been in excellent form for Spurs this term, scoring 20 goals and registering four assists in 34 appearances in all competitions.

The forward recently became Tottenham's all-time leading goalscorer, while he has 201 Premier League strikes to his name, placing him third on the all-time list behind Wayne Rooney (208) and Alan Shearer (260).

Kane's desire to surpass Shearer could see him remain in the Premier League if he leaves Spurs, but it would take some effort from Man United to convince the London club to sell to a domestic rival.


Randal Kolo Muani (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani celebrates scoring their second goal on October 26, 2022© Reuters

Randal Kolo Muani, who was a part of the France squad at the 2022 World Cup, has been linked with a number of leading clubs in world football this season due to his form for Frankfurt.

The 24-year-old has scored 15 goals and registered 14 assists in 32 appearances at club level this term, including 10 goals and 12 assists in 21 matches in Germany's top flight.

Muani is likely to be a cheaper option than Osimhen and Kane, but he has a contract with Frankfurt until June 2027, placing the German outfit in a strong position to negotiate this summer.

The forward played for Nantes before arriving in the Bundesliga last summer, and it does appear that his current side could face a battle to keep hold of him during the upcoming market.


Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)

Dusan Vlahovic in action for Juventus on October 21, 2022© Reuters

Dusan Vlahovic was linked with a number of clubs, namely Man United and Arsenal, before swapping Fiorentina for Juventus during the January transfer window in 2022.

The 23-year-old has a contract in Turin until June 2026, but there is already speculation surrounding his future, having found it difficult to show his best form for the Old Lady.

Vlahovic has 19 goals and six assists in 44 matches for Juventus, who are currently down in seventh position in the Serie A table, 10 points behind fourth-placed Lazio.

The Serbia international scored 49 goals and registered eight assists in 108 matches for Fiorentina, which led to a number of clubs expressing an interest in his signature.

Juventus are facing the possibility of missing out on European football for next season, so there could potentially be an opening for Man United when it comes to the striker.


Jonathan David (Lille)

Jonathan David in action for Canada at the 2022 World Cup on December 1, 2022© Reuters

Lille are unlikely to be able to keep hold of Jonathan David beyond the end of this season, with the 23-year-old impressing during his time with the French outfit.

David has 17 goals and four assists in 27 appearances for Lille during the current campaign, while he has netted 49 times and registered nine assists in 123 matches for the Ligue 1 side in total.

Man United have been heavily linked with the Canada international, and he would undoubtedly be a cheaper option than the likes of Kane and Osimhen, while Vlahovic would also cost huge money if Juventus agreed to a sale.

David recently said that it was "very possible" that he could move to English football, telling La Voic du Nord: "In England, when I watch the matches, everything is full each time. As a player, it motivates you even more.

"I don't know, I think it's possible, very possible. I don't know if I can find myself anywhere other than the Premier League. It could well be the Premier League. It's a very nice atmosphere."

David won the Ligue 1 title during his first season at Lille, but Les Dogues finished 10th in France's top flight last term, while they are currently sixth in the table.

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Matt Law

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