Manchester United have reportedly identified Napoli forward Victor Osimhen as a potential arrival in 2023.
The Red Devils are widely expected to bring a new striker to the club during next summer's transfer window, with Cristiano Ronaldo set to leave on a free transfer.
There is an option for Ronaldo's contract to be extended for a further 12 months until June 2024, but it is thought that the Portugal international will depart at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
Marcus Rashford has had a strong start to the season, scoring seven times in all competitions, but Ronaldo only has three, alongside Jadon Sancho, Antony and Anthony Martial.
Bruno Fernandes has contributed just two goals this term, meanwhile, with the 20-time English champions struggling to show consistency in the final third of the field, netting just 18 times in the Premier League.
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According to the Manchester Evening News, Man United are currently drafting a shortlist of potential forward targets, and Osimhen is viewed by the club as a possible acquisition.
The report claims that it would be virtually impossible for the Red Devils to sign the Nigeria international in January, but they are prepared to spend big on a new centre-forward next summer.
Osimhen has again been in impressive form for Napoli during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring nine goals and registering three assists in 13 appearances in all competitions.
The 23-year-old has eight goals and three assists in 10 Serie A outings, in addition to scoring once in three appearances in the group stage of the Champions League.
The Nigerian has now managed 37 goals and 12 assists in 75 appearances in all competitions for Napoli since making the move from Lille in September 2020.
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Osimhen has a contract in Naples until June 2025, meaning that his Italian club are in a strong position when it comes to any potential negotiations next summer.
Meanwhile, a number of other major European clubs are believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation, with Bayern Munich thought to view him as a possible replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
A recent report also claimed that Real Madrid were firmly in the race for his signature, with Los Blancos eyeing a big-money move during next summer's transfer window.
Osimhen scored 18 goals and registered six assists in 38 appearances for Lille during the 2019-20 campaign before making the move to Gli Azzurri.
Matt Law
