Liverpool have joined the race for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to reports in Italy.
Osimhen, 24, is one of the most coveted players in world football after scoring 31 goals in 39 games to help Napoli to the Serie A title.
And according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Reds are now prepared to battle those teams to sign the Nigerian star, with offers expected ‘in the coming days’ amid a potential bidding war.
But chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis values Osimhen at more than £150million – an asking price which could prove prohibitive.
He also enjoyed a fantastic campaign last term as Rudi Garcia’s side secured their first Scudetto since 1990 under Luciano Spalletti’s leadership.
Liverpool are said to be keen based on his undoubted technical qualities and strength in the air, as well as his ability to fit into manager Jurgen Klopp’s aggressive high-pressing and at times direct style of play.
Gazzetta adds that Klopp is eyeing up the 25-cap international based on the struggles of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo on Merseyside.
Nunez, the club’s record signing at £85m last summer, scored just nine league goals and his finishing is questionable, while Gakpo, who scored seven goals in 26 appearances in all competitions, is not a natural striker.
Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino left the club when his contract expired recently.
It is unclear whether he would be willing to give up Champions League football at Napoli for a Europa League campaign at Anfield.
Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda is said to have an ‘open dialogue’ with De Laurentiis, who wants to tie the hotshot down to a new contract.
United, who are looking for a new striker this summer, are interested in him as well as Tottenham striker Harry Kane and Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund.
Big-spending French giants PSG have already lost forward Lionel Messi to Inter Miami and may also sell world-class star Kylian Mbappe too, leaving them open to make a move for Osimhen
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