Napoli are ready to block former West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami’s departure from the club, according to fresh reports in Italy.
Il Mattino claims the Switzerland international was keen on a switch to Serie A rivals Inter Milan during the summer transfer window, only for Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis to step in and prevent a deal from being thrashed out.
A source close to White Hart Lane told Football Express News the ex-Hammers star features prominently on Tottenham Hotspur’s shopping list, but they are prepared to move on to other targets if he is deemed unavailable.
Technical director Franco Baldini, who is in charge of player recruitment at the north London club and has an extensive list of contacts in his homeland, was hoping to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding Behrami’s future.
Fiorentina also expressed an interest during the January window, but the well-travelled 29-year-old did not leave.
The latest report claims he is now likely to remain in Naples under the guidance of former Liverpool head coach Rafael Benitez.
The £5million-rated midfield man played for West Ham between 2008 and 2011 but a return to the Premier League looks unlikely in light of De Laurentiis’ current stance.