Victor Osimhen completes Napoli transfer from Lille in Man Utd transfer blow after ‘late hijack attempt’
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VICTOR OSIMHEN has completed his move from Lille to Napoli despite Manchester United's rumoured late hijack attempt.
Red Devils chiefs are claimed to have made an 11th-hour phonecall to the Nigerian's agent in a bid to gazump Napoli's £46m move.
Journalist Ciro Venerato told : “A few hours ago Manchester United phoned Osimhen’s new agent to find out if he had signed with Napoli.
“If an offer from United comes, there would not be many possibilities because they have an economic power superior to that of Napoli.”
But Osimhen, 21, rejected the last-gasp play from United and has officially linked up with the Serie A giants.
The former Lille striker now teams up with Lorenzo Insigne, Hirving Lozano and Dries Mertens in a fearsome-looking attack.
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Napoli confirmed the news on their club website.
A statement read: "SSC Napoli are delighted to announce the signing of Victor Osimhen from Lille on a permanent transfer."
And Osimhen tweeted his joy at the move, writing: "Mom and dad are proud for sure."
Osimhen has quickly emerged as one of Europe's top prospects following a breakout season in France.
The eight-cap Nigeria international has scored 18 goals in just 38 games for Lille this season, while laying on six assists.
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While Napoli are thought to have negotiated Lille down to just £46m, Arsenal were recently told to fork out "close to what they paid for £72m man Nicolas Pepe" last summer.
Meanwhile, Man Utd will turn their attention to other attacking targets, such as Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is also said to have drawn-up a three-man centre-back wishlist of Kalidou Koulibaly, Tyrone Mings and Alessio Romagnoli.