Newcastle United ‘make contact’ with agent of £120m Man Utd transfer target

Newcastle United have been named as one of several clubs that have reportedly made contact with the agent of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

The Nigeria international has been in stunning form this season as his 25 goals and five assists in 31 Serie A appearances helped his side land their first Scudetto in 23 years. His impressive return has solidified his reputation as one of European football’s hottest properties, with a whole host of big-name clubs said to have shown an interest in trying to persuade Napoli to part ways with one of their star men.

Osimhen was asked about his future in the aftermath of scoring the goal that gave Napoli a 1-1 draw against Udinese that ensured they would become champions. Speaking after the historic title win, he told Sky: “I’m thrilled with this victory. I’m happy for me, for the team and for the fans. I can’t wait to come back in Naples to embrace our fans, even though tonight I already felt the warmth of the people. I’m happy for all the Neapolitans. I scored the Scudetto goal, it’s true, but anyone else could have scored it.

“I feel like a leader and I never give up. Future? Now I want to enjoy this historic moment, this is not the time to think about my future. Spalletti is a great coach, he asks us a lot but he is like a father to all of us. He always manages to motivate us and he deserves this title.”

Osimhen and Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are both believed to have captured the attention of the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United in recent months - but the latter of the duo is now expected to remain at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

It would take a sizable offer for Napoli to even consider allowing Osimhen to depart, with some sources suggesting a bid upwards of £120m would be required - and despite that significant outlay, Italian outlet Gazetta Dello Sport have reported Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Newcastle have all been in contact with the agents of the 24-year-old frontman.