Newcastle 'battling Man Utd' in three-way transfer race for Victor Osimhen

Newcastle United remain focused on signing players despite the transfer window being closed as the Magpies are already leading the race to capture one of Serie A 's hottest strikers.

The north east club are yet to secure their Premier League survival this season but that hasn't stopped them planning ahead for next season, with Eddie Howe 's side continuing to be linked with a number of players.

And despite signing Chris Wood in January, there are plans to further strengthen their front line as they aim to go full steam ahead with splashing the cash come the end of the season.

Amanda Staveley and co continue to work hard behind the scenes to ensure they don't miss out on their primary transfer targets and now it looks as though they could be on course to get some business done early.

According to Italian radio host Luca Cerchione, via Sport Witness, the Magpies are leading the race to sign Napoli 's in-form striker Victor Osimhen and are pipped to beat the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid for his signature.

Is Victor Osimhen the type of player Newcastle should be trying to sign ahead of next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Goals have been hard to come by for the Magpies this season, with just 26 in 24 games so far, and it is clear that they need to bring in a statement signing for next season if they are to begin challenging higher up the table.

Chris Wood was signed for £25 million in January from Burnley and although he does a lot more than just put the ball in the back of the net, he has still failed to score in five appearances for his new club.

Callum Wilson has been the star striker at St. James' Park in recent seasons but injury struggles have hampered his progress in the north east and he cannot be solely relied on.

By signing Osimhen, who has established himself in Serie A and in Europe for Napoli, they would be bringing in a reliable goalscorer.

The Nigerian bagged 18 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions for Lille in 2019-20, which prompted the Italian club to sign him after just one season in Ligue 1.

During his first campaign for Napoli last season, Osimhen notched 10 times in 24 league appearances.

He has scored seven goals in 16 Serie A games this season and added a further four goals in five games in the Europa League.

The Nigerian international has proven that he can already perform on the big stage and at just 23-years-old, he still has plenty of time to develop his game and become even more clinical.

The Magpies have a huge advantage over their transfer rivals with their financial power and it could be enough to convince the Napoli forward to make a switch to the Premier League.