Napoli have intensified their efforts to land Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini, according to fresh reports in the Italian media.
Tutto Mercaro Web claims head coach Rafael Benitez is determined to lure the Belgium international to Serie A and rescue him from a nightmare 12-month stint with the Red Devils.
He has failed to justify the £27.5million price tag placed on his shoulders following his switch from Everton last summer and is yet to score a goal for United.
Napoli plan to step up their pursuit of the player this weekend, and are quietly confident of striking a compromise with his representatives after hitting a snag in negotiations.
Fellaini is said to have demanded almost £4million per year in wages, but Napoli are believed to be reluctant to jeopardise their salary structure.
United are seemingly willing to allow him to leave if Napoli meet their asking price and agree to an outright sale, as opposed to a loan switch with a view to a permanent move 12 months down the line.
The Italians have become frustrated in their long-running attempts to land Lucas Leiva from Liverpool.
Reds star Lucas is believed to be keen on a reunion with head coach Benitez, who lured him to Merseyside from Gremio seven years ago when he was Liverpool boss.
Representatives of the Brazil international met with Napoli officials in Rome earlier this month to iron out personal terms, but the two clubs involved are still no closer to settling on a fee.
Benitez led his side to Italian Cup glory last season and also secured Champions League qualification.