Manchester United are to prioritise Napoli’s Victor Osimhen or Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus over Tottenham captain Harry Kane in their summer search for a striker, say reports.
Kane has been repeatedly linked with the Old Trafford club during a disappointing season for Spurs, with the England skipper entering the final year of his contract in July.
The unanticipated mid-season exit of Cristiano Ronaldo left the Red Devils short of a striker this season, with Wout Weghorst drafted in on loan in January to fill the gap .
Although a move for Kane appears like it could suit both parties, ESPN reports that it’s not looking likely.
The outlet says that United are put off by the prospect of negotiating with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, as they fear a drawn-out saga that could go all the way to deadline day.
Serie A top scorer Osimhen and Serbia international Vlahovic are therefore being looked at as alternatives.
A club source told ESPN: “Having dealt with Levy in the past, they don't want to go through that nightmare all over again for Kane with so much at stake, so they might not even get involved.”
Kane, who turns 30 in July, has continued to produce impressive numbers this season, scoring 20 Premier League goals.
But another trophyless season awaits for the north London club, who suffered a meek Champions League last-16 exit to AC Milan last week and were eliminated from the FA Cup and League Cup earlier in the season.
Antonio Conte’s side sit fourth in the standings with a four-point gap over Newcastle below them, although the Magpies have a game in hand.
Osimhen has been a star man for a superb Napoli side this season, scoring a league-best 19 league goals in 22 games to send the Partenopei 18 points clear on top.
Vlahovic has struggled, though, with a return of eight goals in 17 games making him the target of criticism recently.
The Nigerian is valued at €70 million by Transfermarkt, with Vlahovic at €80m.
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Manchester United are looking to capitalise on their resurgence in the transfer market, with big new signings. Victor Osimhen is one option for €100m, Declan Rice is on the radar and Jeremie Frimpong could arrive as a new right-back. More outlandish theories include signing Kylian Mbappe and selling Marcus Rashford to Arsenal.
The Glazer ownership are not guaranteed to sell up – despite bids from lifelong fan, Sir Jim Radcliffe and Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has underlined the importance of positive mentality at Old Trafford.
