Manchester United 'stance' over Victor Osimhen bid and more transfer rumours

Manchester United will reportedly not pay a 'crazy price' for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, despite the recent departure of attacker Cristiano Ronaldo.

MEN Sport understands that the Nigerian is a player of interest for the Reds as they look to strengthen their striker options, but Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg has reported that United will not pay an 'exorbitant amount' to sign Osimhen from the Italian giants next year.

"As reported he‘s one of the top targets. But been told that #MUFC doesn’t want to pay a crazy price around €100m," Plettenberg wrote in his tweet.

The 23-year-old forward still has three years on his current contract and would thus command a big fee. Meanwhile, Napoli are top of Serie A and are still active in the Champions League, so will be desperate to keep hold of the player. Osimhen has registered 10 goals and three assists in 14 appearances in all competitions so far this season.

Elsewhere, Mundo Deportivo are reporting that the Reds have identified Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi as a long-term successor of Brazilian star Casemiro.

While Casemiro has impressed since joining from Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, he is 30 years old and is reaching the twilight of his illustrious career. The midfielder has made 18 appearances since arriving at Old Trafford, scoring one goal and assisting one more.

According to the report, United boss Erik ten Hag was impressed with Zubimendi in the Europa League tie between the two clubs earlier in the season, with the club said to be willing to pay the £52million mentioned in his release clause.

Zubimendi joined Sociedad's youth setup in 2011, aged 12. He made his debut for the Spanish club in 2018 and is under contract until 2025.