If Alejandro Garnacho makes it through Manchester United's exit this month, he could do a lot worse than Napoli as his destination.
That would be Scott McTominay's view, at least, after the former Red Devil has had a stunning first half year in Naples. The Scottish midfielder and United Academy player was sent away from the club for just £25m last summer but is now flourishing in Antonio Conte's midfield as Napoli remain clear at the top of Serie A.
And with Garnacho linked with a move of his own to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, reports in Italy suggest McTominay is working hard to lure his old comrade. Napoli are in the market to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is reportedly on the verge of joining Paris Saint-Germain.
McTominay was repeatedly linked with a move away from Old Trafford before the decision was finally made to cut ties last summer. And having adapted easily to the rigors of Italian football, he has heaped praise on his new club and the surrounding area.
“I love this place,” he told BBC Sport in December. “I love the fans, I love my teammates. It was a pleasure to be with Billy [Gilmour] every day, instead of just seeing him in Scotland, and we helped each other a lot.” McTominay's comments send a clear message to Garnacho that Napoli are a great club to play for.
Garnacho, 20, is facing increasing speculation about his future as United try to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Despite being a key player under Erik ten Hag, Ruben Amorim has used him sparingly, and the player is now said to be unhappy and thinking about his future.
United are reluctant to sell this month unless there is a big offer. However, Calciomercato claims Napoli have reached an agreement in principle with Garnacho after the club's sporting director Giovanni Manna met his representatives in Barcelona this week.
As if Napoli's form in Serie A wasn't enough to tempt the player, a move to Diego Maradona's home base would also be attractive for an Argentine winger. Although born and raised in Madrid, Garnacho has won eight caps playing for his mother's country and Maradona's old team.
“He is clearly the most iconic footballer to ever walk around and play the game,” McTominay told The Scotsman when speaking about Maradona's legacy in Naples. “When I first walked into the stadium it was a surreal feeling to know that he is an icon, an absolute football legend.”
Kvaratskhelia has been compared to the World Cup winner and was even given his own Diego-inspired nickname: 'Kvaradona'. With around a fortnight left in the January transfer window, Napoli would have plenty of time to find an adequate replacement.
However, it could still be difficult to get Garnacho out of Manchester despite supposedly personal terms having been agreed. While United are open to offers for the winger, they value the player at around £70 million. United have already been heavily linked with a replacement for Garnacho if he leaves, with Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo reportedly at the top of their list.
Comments