Napoli manager Rafael Benitez has revealed he is cautiously optimistic of luring Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini to Serie A.
The ex-Liverpool boss conducted an interview with Sky Italia in which he admitted he is keen to raid his old rivals for the Belgium international, who has failed to establish himself at Old Trafford.
Benitez said: “He (Fellaini) is with Manchester United but we are hopefully positive.
“It seems that we are waiting for (United manager Louis) van Gaal. He is a great player, but he is with another team and we must wait.”
Fellaini has not justified 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.
He 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.
Meanwhile, Benitez has drawn a line under speculation linking his striker Gonzalo Higuain with a switch to La Liga giants Barcelona.
He added: “He has the right mentality, he wants to win something. He can give something to the fans of Napoli.”