Osimhens transfer demand rules Man Utd out of race for Napoli star

Manchester United's hopes of signing Victor Osimhen have been dashed – after reports emerged claiming the Napoli hotshot is desperate for Champions League football.

The 23-year-old has some big-name suitors after firing 17 goals in 29 games for the Italian side this season, including Premier League sides such as United, Arsenal and Liverpool. Newcastle have also been credited with an interest in the Nigerian ace, who is valued at around £80million by Napoli.

Osimhen – who has shown commendable character to get back playing after suffering a serious facial injury back in November – is reportedly open to quitting Naples in the summer, but one of his keys demands is set to scupper any chance of a move to Old Trafford.

The Mirror reports that Osimhen is only interested in joining a club who can offer him Champions League football next term – a requirement that would rule United out of the race for the striker's signature. United's top-four hopes have gone up in smoke in recent weeks thanks to a string of poor results.

Even though a move to United isn't on the cards, Osimhen could still be plying his trade in England next year. A host of top Premier League sides – including Arsenal, who are in pole position to clinch a top-four finish – are set to be in the market for a new striker in the summer.

But Manchester United willl have to revise their summer plans in the wake of Osimhen's demands. United have relied heavily on Cristiano Ronaldo for goals this year and it's likely that incoming manager Erik ten Hag will be eager add some more firepower to his underperforming squad.

Who do you think will bag Osimhen in the summer? Let us know in the comments section below.

Interim chief Ralf Rangnick admitted ahead of Monday's clash with Brentford that it is "obvious" that the club need to sign more strikers ahead of next season.

And the German even claimed that United could do with "two or three" new attackers if Ten Hag is to improve their fortunes next year.

When quizzed on whether Ronaldo – now 37 – would be able to keep up with Ten Hag's demanding methods after Thursday's draw with Chelsea, Rangnick told Sky Sports: "This is a question you need to ask Erik ten Hag. He's showed that he can still be a vital part of this team, but it's obvious the team needs some more strikers. There should be two or three new strikers next season, it's pretty obvious."

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