Atletico Madrid will step up their pursuit of Napoli midfielder Valon Behrami this weekend, according to reports in Italy.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims the former West Ham United man is the subject of strong interest from the La Liga champions, who hope to secure his services by the middle of next week.
The Switzerland international could join fellow countryman Blerim Dzemaili in heading for the exit door, as Sevilla close in on his signature.
Napoli are thought to be clearing room in the engine room for the arrival of Borussia Monchengladbach’s Christoph Kramer, who played for Germany in the World Cup final, and Liverpool star Lucas Leiva.
Atletico head coach Diego Simeone is a keen admirer of ex-Hammers player Behrami and is keen to build on the success of last term, when he guided them to the domestic title and the Champions League final.
He has a significant sum of money to spend during the current transfer window after seeing his star striker Diego Costa join Chelsea for £32million and defender Filipe Luis follow him to Stamford Bridge in a £15.8m switch.
Behrami, rated at somewhere in the region of £5m, played for West Ham between 2008 and 2011 and caught they eye during his time in the capital.