Manchester United's struggles in front of goal last season are well documented, and have seen them linked with a move for Napoli's Victor Osimhen.
The Nigeria forward spearheaded Napoli's charge to their first Scudetto in over three decades with a phenomenal 31 goals and five assists in the 2022/23 campaign.
While 2023/24 was not quite as prolific due to injury and international commitments with Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Osimhen still managed a respectable 17 goals and four assists in 32 appearances.
Greenwood swap to help Manchester United's Victor Osimhen pursuit?
According to a report from La Repubblica, relayed by Spazio Napoli, a potential pathway for Osimhen to land in Manchester could involve a player-plus-cash deal. The player in question? Manchester United's Mason Greenwood.
Despite prosecutors dropping the rape case against Greenwood last year, the Red Devils are keen to move him on. The young Englishman, who impressed on loan at Getafe in La Liga, has reportedly attracted interest from Juventus, Lazio, and now potentially Napoli.
The report suggests that Napoli's Sporting Director, Giovanni Manna, is an admirer of Greenwood's talent. This could provide Manchester United with a valuable bargaining chip in their pursuit of Osimhen.
Osimhen himself is reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League, but his hefty €130 million release clause has so far deterred potential suitors. Napoli's stance on the release clause might be crucial in any negotiations. Accepting a player-plus-cash deal involving Greenwood, a player they reportedly value, could be a pragmatic solution.
While Greenwood's talent is undeniable, he would not be a direct replacement for Osimhen's goalscoring prowess. However, Napoli would still acquire a promising young player and receive additional funds to pursue other targets in the transfer window.
