Napoli have reportedly turned their attention to Manchester City midfielder Javi Garcia after encountering problems in their bid to land Tottenham Hotspur star Sandro.
According to Corriere del Mezzogiorno, the Serie A outfit have also experienced difficulties in luring Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva to Italy and are ready to look elsewhere.
Top of their wishlist as an alternative to both men is City hardman Garcia, who could be forced further down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium by the arrival of Fernando from Porto.
The Brazilian occupies the same position as Garcia at the heart of the engine room, and joins the likes of Fernandinho and Yaya Toure in competing for a starting berth.
The report claims Italian Cup holders Napoli are in a strong position to secure his services, not least because he shares the same agent as head coach Rafael Benitez – an arrangement that helped them bag goalkeeper Pepe Reina on loan from Liverpool last season.
Benitez hopes to attract his compatriot to Naples in the coming weeks, with either a loan deal or a permanent £4million switch on the cards.
Former Benfica man Garcia has three years remaining on his contract with the Premier League champions, who he joined in 2012.