Manchester United have rejected Napoli's bid for Alejandro Garnacho after reports claim the Italian league leaders failed to match the club's valuation for the youngster.
Garnacho's future at Old Trafford remains the subject of intense interest from European suitors after a difficult start to life under Ruben Amorim.
The 20-year-old was dropped alongside Marcus Rashford by the United boss following their shock Manchester derby win in December, when Amorim ruled Garnacho's attitude was not up to the required standards in training.
Garnacho was recalled to start United's recent back-to-back wins over Arsenal and Southampton and played a crucial role in helping the Red Devils come from a goal down to beat Southampton 3-1 on Thursday evening.
However, United's recruitment woes mean they must carefully balance profit and sustainability regulations as they look to bring in reinforcements and consider the futures of Kobbie Mainoo and Garnacho.
A sale of Garnacho could be sanctioned if United's valuation is met and the club have now rejected an opening bid of £40 million from Napoli, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Garnacho currently appears to be involved with the thirteen-time Premier League champions, with a contract with the club until 2028. He recently deactivated his X account as he focuses on improving his performance.
Napoli boss Antonio Conte is keen to bring in a replacement Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who appears set to join PSG on a £59million contract. Garnacho is one of the candidates at the top of the Serie A list.
The Argentinian's rise in recent seasons has seen him initially go from a breakout star under Erik ten Hag to a full-fledged first-team regular last season.
Napoli want to strike a deal at a lower price for the rising star and have previously based their recruitment strategy on signing players with resale value rather than paying huge deposits.
Garnacho was recently valued at £82.27 million by the CIES Football Observatory, which would mean Napoli would have to pay more than the record £73 million they previously paid for Victor Osimhen.
Napoli are now considering possible moves for Bologna's Dan Ndoye and Deportivo la Coruna winger Yeremay Hernandez.
Despite Amorim's recent disciplinary action, United's head coach insisted the attacking star is part of his future plans, saying: 'That's clear. He has talent. He has to learn to play in a different position. He needs to play better indoors.
“He improves a lot in the recovery position when he doesn't have the ball. But when he does, sometimes he's not in the right spot to make transitions like he has in the past.
'I prefer to defend and then build with the whole team to reach the final third.
“He finds the best way to play in this system. During training he is getting better and better. He started the last game. Let's see tomorrow. I think he's changed the way he sees himself.”
Comments