Napoli are ready to step up talks with Manchester United over the acquisition of midfielder Marouane Fellaini, according to fresh reports in the Italian media.
Il Mattino claims that new Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal has decided that the Belgium international is not part of his plans for the 2014-15 campaign and he is happy to part company with him during the summer transfer window.
Serie A outfit Napoli remain at the front of the queue despite hitting a stumbling block in their pursuit of the player, following a difference of opinion on wages and a loan fee.
They are quietly confident that van Gaal’s desire to see Fellaini leave Old Trafford could yet push the deal over the finishing line sooner rather than later, if a compromise can be struck.
He is said to have demanded almost £4million per year in wages during initial discussions.
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.
If Napoli fail to land the United man they will turn their attention to Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva, whose representatives agreed personal terms in Rome earlier on this summer.