Newcastle United are reportedly attempting to up their interest in Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.
Having secured a top-four finish in the Premier League, the Magpies are currently preparing for a return to the Champions League after a two-decade absence.
While Eddie Howe has already compiled a competitive squad at St James' Park, it will require strengthening both in terms of depth and personnel.
If reports are to be believed, centre-forward is the last area where Howe will look to spend money courtesy of already having Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak as options.
The pair chipped in with 28 goals and six assists between them in the top flight during 2022-23, an impressive return when considering that they only made a combined total of 38 starts.
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Nevertheless, Isak's versatility means that it is plausible that Newcastle may look to sign a new frontman during the summer transfer window.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, contact has already been made with the representatives of in-demand Osimhen.
The Nigeria international has just chipped in with 25 strikes and six assists to help Napoli cruise to the Serie A title with several matches to spare.
Osimhen is regarded as the club's key player and most prized asset, yet having just two years left on his contract leaves president Aurelio De Laurentiis with a decision to make.
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Despite suggestions that only bids in excess of £100m will be accepted, the 24-year-old is not short of admirers in the Premier League, a division that he wishes to play in at some point in his career.
Manchester United view Osimhen as an alternative option to Harry Kane, while Chelsea are also monitoring any developments in the event that they can finance a deal.
With there uncertainty over the future of Karim Benzema, Real Madrid may also look to sign Osimhen, and Paris Saint-Germain has been suggested as a potential destination in the past.
Napoli paid up to €80m when they signed Osimhen from Lille three years ago, with the powers-that-be keen to ensure that they make a profit on that deal.
Darren Plant
