Napoli prepare for Osimhen transfer bidding war after Man Utd ‘tried to leapfrog Chelsea into pole position in January’

NAPOLI are reportedly bracing themselves for a fight to keep star striker Victor Osimhen.

The striker, 24, scored twice in the Serie A leaders’ 3-0 win over Spezia on Sunday to continue his hot streak.

Napoli have surged 13 points clear at the top of the Italian top division and face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League last-16.

But they know they face losing Osimhen in a huge summer bidding war.

Manchester United and Chelsea are leading a host of European heavyweights ready to fight for him.

And, according to Naples-based newspaper Il Mattino, United have already made contact in an effort to get ahead in the race.

They report that United made contact with Napoli in January in order to get “in pole position” by striking a deal in winter.

It is unclear whether the nature of the deal was designed for a January move or a pre-emptive agreement for the summer, but Napoli turned down the move regardless.

Given their pursuit of a first title since 1990, it makes sense for them not to want to distract their star man ahead of the run in.

Osimhen has now scored 16 goals in 17 Serie A appearances, also adding four assists to the tally.

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Il Mattino’s report suggests that Napoli have set a £133million price tag on his head.

It comes following another report which said United were eyeing a deal of £107m as they looked for an alternative to Harry Kane.

The England skipper refused to commit his future to Tottenham after breaking Jimmy Greaves’ goalscoring record for the club, though Spurs remain unwilling to lose their star man.