Napoli are preparing a lucrative contract extension for head coach Rafael Benitez, according to fresh reports in the Italian media.
Il Mattino claims the Serie A outfit will open a dialogue in the coming weeks with a view to securing the Spaniard’s services until the summer of 2017.
The former Liverpool and Chelsea boss has little more than 12 months remaining on his current deal and finds himself in a strong bargaining position, having guided them to Italian Cup glory last term.
He also ensured safe passage to the Champions League following an impressive third-place finish in the table.
The report reveals that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is highly-impressed by the work carried out by Benitez and is willing to offer the 54-year-old £3.2million per year, which represents a pay rise of £500,000.
Benitez is said to be in no hurry to put pen to paper as he is relaxed about his current situation in Italy, although the club will hope talks do not drag on throughout the season.
If an agreement is not reached by the start of next year the speculation will grow on a weekly basis, sparking fears in the corridors of power that he could walk away at the end of the campaign.