Napoli have agreed to turn their attention elsewhere after failing with a bid for Alejandro Garnacho, it is claimed, although Chelsea could still offer him a way out.
It is believed that Manchester United are willing to listen to offers for the entire squad, including academy graduates such as Garnacho. The Argentina international joined from Atletico Madrid's youth academy at the age of 16, made his senior debut less than two years later and made his 100th appearance for the club earlier this season.
However, he has been in and out under Ruben Amorim with questions about whether he fits into the head coach's system. This uncertainty has attracted interest from home and abroad, although Napoli's £40 million bid falls short of United's valuation.
United's Premier League rivals Chelsea have now entered the equation, with new reports suggesting the winger could follow Jadon Sancho in swapping Manchester for West London. However, Napoli now appear willing to look at more affordable targets.
According to L'Equipe, Garnacho is one of the targets Chelsea are considering in January. The Blues are looking for reinforcements as they prepare to let Christopher Nkunku leave Stamford Bridge, with Karim Adeyemi also joining from Borussia Dortmund.
Napoli's needs are arguably more urgent. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is on his way to Paris Saint-Germain, with manager Antonio Conte keen to replace the Georgian's goals and provide assists sooner or later.
The Manchester Evening News reports that Dan Ndoye and Yeremay Hernandez are among the options, with Conte pursuing players with potential resale value. Chelsea-linked Adeyemi is also an option for Serie A, if L'Equipe is to be believed.
Ahead of the upcoming match against Brighton, United head coach Amorim sent a reminder to his squad. “I want to keep my players, I focus on these players.
“I don't know what's going to happen in this window, we'll see. But they're our players, so we have control over that. We decide on that. Sometimes it's more difficult for the players because they have some information, and that feels you in every team. That's how it is.”
When asked about the preparations for the next match, he added: “For me, it is more difficult to prepare for the match if we lose. If we win, we can manage everything, the expectations and the bad mood of some players. We will prepare the match in the same way and focus only on the next match.”
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