Newcastle are reportedly set to target one of the best young strikers in the world after stepping up their scouting of Lille’s in-form Nigerian Victor Osimhen. Newcastle are on the lookout for a new striker and The Chronicle have revealed that Osimhen is on the radar of chief scout Steve Nickson.
The Super Eagles star is being tracked by an increasing number of European clubs after making a brilliant start to his spell with Lille, after arriving from Belgian outfit Charleroi as the replacement for Arsenal-bound Nicolas Pepe in the summer.
Last week it was claimed that Barcelona had jumped to the head of the queue of clubs seeking to snap up the 20-year-old, although they were confirmed to be interested in Pepe and never followed through with a serious bid.
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Osimhen enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Charleroi last term, scoring 20 goals while on loan from Wolfsburg.
And, having already netted eight goals in 11 appearances for Lille, this season he has just collected the Ligue 1 player of the month award for September and looks an absolute steal at £10.8million.
Osimhen saw off the challenges of Monaco’s Algerian international Islam Slimani and veteran Nantes defender Nicolas Pallois to scoop the monthly honour.
He also scored on his full debut for Nigeria in a 2-2 friendly draw against Ukraine in September. “I never expected this to happen so soon but I guess this is what comes when you are surrounded by great players, loved ones and the blessings of God,” said Osimhen.
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce admitted on Friday that the club are planning to step up the scouting of potential targets in the next few weeks, although Osimhen would appear to be more of a summer option. “We’ll start planning in the next couple of weeks, but January is always a difficult window, ” he said. “Well see what’s out there.”
