Newcastle United will have had Napoli striker Victor Osimhen ‘on their radar’ this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Magpies have been in the market for reinforcements in the attacking third throughout the current window but have ended their pursuit of Stade Reims’ Hugo Ekitike.

What is the latest news involving Osimhen?

Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (via The Express) have claimed that Newcastle are set to offer Napoli a ‘significant sum’ in order to secure the services of Osimhen.

However, Eddie Howe’s charges are reportedly set to face competition from Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United.

And Newcastle could find it hard to convince Osimhen to make the switch to St. James’ Park as it’s believed his preference would be to stay put if the Gunners and the Red Devils do not follow up their interest with formal offers.

Previous reports from CalcioMercato have claimed that the Azzurri will demand €110 million (£94m) from any potential suitor for their prized asset, a fee that could be beyond the North East outfit’s reach.

A report from The Telegraph back in March claimed that Newcastle would only have a budget of £90m despite their Saudi-backed takeover, putting Osimhen out of their reach.

What has O’Rourke said about Osimhen?

O’Rourke believes that although Osimhen is a player Newcastle admirer, he doesn’t reckon they ‘could get near’ his price tag at this moment in time.

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He told GiveMeSport: “I'm sure he's been on their radar for most of the summer, it’s just the issue probably is the price tag that's on his head from Napoli.

“Napoli are demanding big, big money for him, so even with Newcastle's riches, I don't think they could get near that transfer fee for him right now. It's probably £80 million-plus for the Nigerian International.”

Is Osimhen a realistic target?

Newcastle have recruited well since becoming the richest football club in the world, and perhaps surprisingly pragmatically.

Howe has brought in a core of honest, hard-working but talented Englishmen in the shape of Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett and Dan Burn while also adding some young, exciting stars from overseas via Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman.

Osimhen, on the other hand, is already regarded as one of the best strikers in the European game, with Italian football expert Conor Clancy labelling him a “superstar”.

At present, Newcastle do not seem to be in the market for ready-made world beaters and are choosing a different path, possibly ruling out an imminent move for Osimhen.