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Scott McTominay is Antonio Conte’s priority at Napoli, according to an Italian football expert.
It has been reported this week that United are keen to offload the Scotsman, despite having rejected a £20 million bid from tomorrow’s opponents, Fulham, earlier in the summer.
There has also been interest from Turkey and other Premier League clubs for the academy graduate, with Everton, Brentford, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce all linked.
However, this week it has been Napoli’s turn to take a step forward, with the club reported to be in discussions with United but stating up front that they would prefer a loan and will not come anywhere close to the £25 million (€30m) asking price. United rejected the loan proposal.
The Azzurri’s priority for a transfer was reported to be Brighton’s Billy Gilmour, but all that may have changed, according to reporter Alfredo Pedulla.
The journalist claims “Exclusive: McTominay priority of Conte. In the next few hours new summit with the agent who has put the other proposals on stand-by.”
Esclusiva: #McTominay priorità di #Conte. Nelle prossime ore nuovo vertice con l’agente che ha messo in stand-by le altre proposte
— Alfredo Pedullà (@AlfredoPedulla) August 15, 2024
This puts the cat very much among the pigeons.
Napoli’s budget for Gilmour was reported to be €10 million so if they are prepared to sacrifice the Brighton man to land the Scot, they may now be able to sanction a permanent move for the latter.
With one year left on McTominay’s contract with an optional extra year, United will be keen to offload him this summer, but not desperate.
Whether Napoli can beat Fulham’s offer remains to be seen, but if Pedulla is to be believed, they are escalating their chase very quickly, which must indicate optimism of getting the deal done.
Likewise, if the 27 year old’s agent is putting all other proposals on hold to negotiate with the Serie A side, it suggests that the feeling is mutual and that McTominay is keen on a move to Naples.
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