Napoli striker Victor Osimhen
BBC pundit Alan Hutton has been reacting to Manchester United’s reported interest in Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.
The Lowdown: Top of shortlist
The Red Devils look set to be in the market for a high-profile attacking addition in the summer, with Osimhen thought to be of interest.
Reports in recent days have suggested that the 24-year-old is top of the shortlist at Old Trafford ahead of Tottenham’s Harry Kane, AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham and RB Salzburg’s Benjamin Sesko.
The Latest: Hutton reacts
Hutton was talking to Football Insider regarding the Red Devils and rival interest from Tottenham, who may see Osimhen as a Harry Kane replacement.
The former Spurs player, who also contributes to the BBC, labelled the Nigeria international as an ‘outstanding footballer’ who may come with a £100m price tag.
“First and foremost I think Napoli paid about £62m for him, so that has gone up.
“We are talking £100m. Do Tottenham need a player like that? Possibly if Kane were to move it could be a domino effect.
“Man United are looking as well, Harry Kane is a target for them so it could be that domino effect where if one leaves for that team, maybe there is a space opening up for someone else.
“Man United need a number nine, will Man United go and break the bank for somebody like him who is an outstanding footballer?”
The Verdict: Pros and cons…
It could well come down to Osimhen or Kane at Old Trafford, with speculation claiming United have made contact with the Tottenham striker’s camp.
Osimhen has actually scored one more goal than Kane this season in ten fewer appearances and is five years younger than the England international. Therefore, you could argue that he may prove to be the better long-term addition, however, Kane’s unbelievable record in the Premier League is something Osimhen cannot offer, with Kane scoring 201 times and registering 49 assists in 308 top-flight appearances.
The Napoli man has experience in Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, but not knowing how he would fare in the Premier League could make a big money move more of a gamble.
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