Napoli demand €20m from Man Utd for ‘suitable’ right-back
Napoli have set their asking price for right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo with Man Utd interested, according to reports.
The Italian played all but two of Napoli’s matches in Serie A last campaign, contributing three goals and six assists as they finished fifth in the standings.
He has also impressed at Euro 2020, where he has featured in five of Italy’s six matches so far on their way to the final against England.
The ‘perfect’ combined England and Italy Euro 2020 XI
Man Utd have been linked with various right-backs already this summer and Kieran Trippier is believed to be the standout option to provide Aaron Wan-Bissaka with some competition next season.
The Atletico Madrid right-back has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford and was the subject of a reported £10m bid in June.
The Red Devils would have to come to a compromise over a fee before even opening negotiations with Trippier, as the La Liga champions want closer to £35m for the 30-year-old.
And that has seen Man Utd look for different options with Di Lorenzo the latest name to be linked.
La Stampa (via Il Napolista) claims that Man Utd ‘would be interested’ in the Italy international but they would have to pay €20m for the signing.
It is believed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side ‘can go up to’ €20m for Di Lorenzo as they consider him ‘suitable’ to play in the Premier League.
Four years ago, Di Lorenzo was playing in Serie C in Italy for Matera before his meteoric rise through the leagues saw him end up at Napoli and potentially starting in the Euro 2020 final for his country.
Miguel Angel Sainz-Maza, who played with Di Lorenzo earlier in his career at Reggina, thinks his former team-mate has become “one of the best right-backs in the world”.
“We were on the same team and, at Reggina, we became very close friends,” Sainz-Maza told Marca.
“I get goose bumps every time I see him on TV. Nobody, not even himself, could have imagined what he is experiencing now. I hope he wins the European Championship.
“He has become one of the best right-backs in the world. This summer, some of the best teams in Europe will be calling him. I am very happy because he is a hard worker and he has earned it.”