- Man United are reportedly keeping a close eye on two Napoli players
- United have sent scouts to watch Antonio Conte’s side in action
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Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing two Napoli stars after sending their scouts to watch the Serie A side in action.
Napoli have made a flying start to the new season, taking 19 points from their first eight games to climb to the top of the table.
And United scouts watched their latest victory on Sunday as Antonio Conte’s men edged past Empoli 1-0.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot and United are keen to sign him and defender Alessandro Buongiorno, according to reports Tutto Mercato Web.
Kvaratskhelia played for Georgia at the European Championship this summer after helping Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years in 2023.
Man United are interested in signing Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskehlia (second from right)
They also want to sign Napoli defender Alessandro Buongiorno (photo)
Erik ten Hag expects a double blow after his team’s disappointing start to the season
He has a contract with Napoli until 2027 but is reportedly asking for 8 million euros per year to sign a new contract, which is more than four times his current salary.
It remains to be seen whether Napoli will be willing to meet Kvaratskhelia’s demands after Conte deemed him unsellable last summer, but United could offer him a pay rise to tempt him to Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Buongiorno joined Napoli from Torino for just €40m in the most recent transfer window and played a crucial role in his team’s early season success.
Napoli have conceded just five goals in their first eight games in Serie A, with Buongiorno at the heart of the defence.
It is understood the Italian giants would want a fee in excess of €70m (£58m) to even consider selling Buongiorno.
Kvaratskhelia and Buongiorno played under Antonio Conte at Napoli this season
United currently have six senior centre-backs on their books, with Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro joining Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans as options for Erik ten Hag in the summer.
However, the Red Devils have struggled at the back in the opening weeks of the season and have turned to the 36-year-old Evans in each of their last two league games.
They may have to re-enter the transfer market in January or next summer and appear to have identified Buongiorno as one of their top targets.
