SSC Napoli do not want to pay more than €20 million for Scott McTominay

SSC Napoli continue complex negotiations for Manchester United’s Scott McTominay but do not want to pay over €20 million.

The Scottish international had a relatively successful season last year, scoring 10 goals in all competitions, but had to make do with largely a bench role.

The player’s new place in the team was highlighted by an 11 minute appearance off the bench as United chased a late winner versus Fulham on opening day.

This has seen Fulham and Galatasaray show serious interest in the player over the course of the summer but he has been deemed too expensive by both clubs as United asked for over £25 million.

Napoli have subsequently emerged as the most likely destination for McTominay if he is indeed to leave the club this summer and he has reportedly agreed personal terms with the 2023 Serie A champions.

This morning’s La Gazzetta dello Sport reaffirm that any move for McTominay is “inevitably linked to the sale of Victor Osimhen”.

It is also reported once again that Napoli have little appetite to pay United’s asking price of €30 million and “would not be willing to offer more than €20 million.”

Nonetheless, Corriere dello Sport are a bit more optimistic as they report that there are “continuous contacts” between the two clubs over a deal for the Scottish international and he is “the real and great objective for the midfield.”

Consequently, “delicate and complex negotiations, worthy of the player’s value” are set to follow over the coming days before the window slams shut in just over a week.

If Napoli will not go above €20 million, it leaves United in a bit of a predicament.

At the beginning of the month, Fulham reportedly made a more valuable offer of £20 million which was rejected by the decision makers at Old Trafford.

Therefore, the Red Devils need to make a decision on whether they accept a lower bid to get him off the wage bill or do they allow him to stay and risk losing him on a free next season when his current deal expires.

There is also the possibility they could extend him for one more season but that could just be kicking the decision down the road for one more year and they could be faced with exactly the same issues in 2025.

With the probable arrival of midfielder Manuel Ugarte before the end of the window, it looks like McTominay will only slip further down the pecking order were he to remain at the club.