Jose Mourinho battles Man City for Slovak star

Manchester City will go head-to-head with Chelsea over the transfer of Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Hamsik, 27, has been with Italian side Napoli since 2007 when he signed from Brescia but his time at the club is said to be up for debate after interest from a number of English and Spanish sides.

Real Madrid have reportedly been keen earlier this season but the arrival of Rafa Benitez, whom coached Hamsik at Napoli for the past seasons is said to have ended such talk.

Benitez and the Slovak forward did not see eye to eye and links to the Premier League have now been quickened.

Manchester City are said to be extremely interested, whilst Chelsea boss Mourinho is said to be a keen admirer.

Mourinho wants to add a fresh face to his midfield options and believes Hamsik deserves the chance to play Champions League football next season, which he wouldn’t at Napoli.

City bosses are also keen and are ready to make a lucrative move after a season of disappointments.