Manchester United are likely to have Victor Osimhen high on their list of targets, says journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Red Devils look set to miss out on Benfica's Darwin Nunez, and O'Rourke can see them now turning to the Napoli striker.

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What is the latest news involving Osimhen?

The reliable Gianluca Di Marzio recently told wettfreunde that he thinks Napoli would sell Osimhen if an offer of €100m (£85m) came in for him this summer.

United are one club who have been linked with the Nigerian, with Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) claiming last month that the Premier League club had made an approach for him.

Nunez is another forward thought to be of interest to the Red Devils. At the end of May, talkSPORT reported that they were pursuing a deal to sign the Uruguay international.

However, since then, rivals Liverpool have entered the fray, and it is believed that he is now close to joining them.

BRUTAL! Egal and Terry CLASH over Darwin Nunez on The Football Terrace...

What has O'Rourke said about Osimhen and United?

With Nunez out of the picture, O'Rourke thinks United will turn to another option like Osimhen.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: "Manchester United will be looking around the transfer market to see who is available, and I'm sure they will have contingency plans in place as well. I'm sure Osimhen will figure highly on that list as he does for a number of clubs."

Would Osimhen be a good alternative to Nunez?

Yes, he would. Like Nunez, Osimhen is also a very talented striker and showed as much in the 2021/22 season.

In 27 Serie A appearances for Napoli, the 23-year-old, who Walter Mazzarri called "phenomenal" near the beginning of the campaign, scored 14 goals.

Over the last year, Osimhen has also ranked in the 96th percentile for non-penalty goals, the 96th for total shots and the 90th for touches in the penalty area among forwards (via FBref), so he is clearly an effective No.9 who thrives inside the box.

With Edinson Cavani leaving the club and Cristiano Ronaldo not getting any younger, that is something United could do with.

At just 23 years of age, the Nigeria international could be their leading striker now and for years to come.

Whether United would be willing to pay £85m for his services, though, remains to be seen. It is a lot of money, especially for a player who has had his injury problems.

Whatever the case, Erik ten Hag needs a new centre-forward, and Osimhen is probably one of the best on the market right now.