Man United scouts have identified big name striker who could join within a year

Man United have reportedly drawn up a striker shortlist for next year - and Napoli star Victor Osimhen is on the list.

The Nigeria international tops the goalscoring charts in Serie A this season, and has also impressed in European competition for a Napoli side that eased into the last 16 of the Champions League.

Luciano Spalletti's side have only lost once in all competitions this campaign, which has been helped by Osimhen's goal return.

The 23-year-old - who still plays wearing a protective mask after suffering facial injuries in January - has netted nine goals in all competitions. He is already halfway to matching his overall tally of 18 last term.

It is this form that has alerted a number of clubs to a potential move in January or next summer.

But whilst the Manchester Evening News, who broke reports of United's interest in the player, have claimed that it would be 'nigh-on impossible' to bring the forward to Old Trafford in January, Erik ten Hag's side could attempt a summer move instead, and want to bring a forward in at some point during 2023.

However, they may face strong competition from elsewhere.

Victor Osimhen to Man United?

Should Man United look to complete the signing of Osimhen, they may have to fend off interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

According to the Daily Mail, Carlo Ancelotti has asked Real president Florentino Perez to land the Nigeria international in January, as he attempts to add more depth to his attack.

Los Blancos have Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema as their central striker. But their natural back-up striker, Mariano Diaz, has scored just seven goals for Real since rejoining the club from Lyon in 2018.

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In addition, Benzema has suffered from several injury problems this term, with right winger Rodrygo deputising up front on a number of occasions.

But Real could run into the same problems as United, with Napoli desperate to keep one of their star players as they look to win Serie A for the first time since 1990.

Currently eight points clear of second-placed AC Milan, Spalletti's side are well on their way to making that hope a reality, with Napoli looking unstoppable domestically at present.