Man Utd transfer blow as Napoli star Victor Osimhen opens talks over new mega-money contract with Serie A giants

MANCHESTER UNITED'S pursuit of Victor Osimhen has hit the rocks with the striker opening talks over a new deal with Napoli, it's been claimed.

The Nigeria international spearheaded Napoli's charge to their first Scudetto in over 30 years last season, scoring 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances.

United are long-term admirers of the 24-year-old and view him as an alternative to Tottenham skipper Harry Kane.

But they could be forced to turn their attention elsewhere as fresh talks over a bumper new deal for Osimhen, who is said to earn around £95,000-a-week at the moment, are reportedly underway.

claim Osimhen's agent recently discussed a new deal with Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis - who doesn't want to sell the striker on the cheap.

Osimhen has two years left on his current contract at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

But he recently suggested he could extend his stay in Naples, telling TG5: "'I’m at a great club and my career is growing constantly.

"I am already at one of the biggest clubs and I could not ask for more. Forza Napoli always!"

United's potential pursuit of Oshimen could, however, be aided by his desire to play in England's top flight.

He said: "I think playing in one of the top five leagues in the world (Serie A) is an amazing feeling for me.

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"A lot of people worldwide consider the Premier League as the best and the strongest league.

"But now, I'm in one of the best leagues in the world which is the Italian Serie A.

"I'm working so hard to make sure that I achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League someday.

"But like I said, it's a process and I just want to keep on this momentum and continue to do well."