Serie A powerhouses Napoli have reportedly emerged as strong contenders to sign Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer this summer.
Having not been offered a new deal by the Etihad powers-that-be, De Bruyne will bring the curtain down on a golden nine years in Manchester when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.
With the Belgium international turning 34 this summer, a transfer to either the Saudi Pro League or MLS has been seen as his most likely next move given that he will likely only receive one final lucrative contract.
However, De Bruyne is now being increasingly tipped to remain in European football for a little while longer, and there have been reports of Aston Villa showing interest in the ex-Chelsea starlet.
City's long-time Premier League title rivals Liverpool have also been linked with a shock approach for the 33-year-old, and according to Sky Sports News, Napoli are the latest team to throw their hat into the ring.
Napoli 'make move' to sign De Bruyne on free transfer
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Antonio Conte's side are three points clear of Inter Milan at the top of the Serie A table with just three rounds remaining, and a couple of former Premier League players have spearheaded their charge to glory.
De Bruyne's fellow former Chelsea man Romelu Lukaku and ex-Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay have found safe haven at Napoli, who have supposedly 'made a move' to bring the Belgian to the club.
The Partenopei's sporting director Giovanni Manna has reportedly been discussing a move with the player's camp in Manchester for a number of weeks, both to present the club's sporting project and learn De Bruyne's demands.
The Man City star is said to be 'opening up' to the idea of moving to Italy at the end of the season, and he is currently assessing the feasibility of a switch with both his family and his agents.
However, the report adds that the transfer will still be a 'very complicated' one to complete, even though Napoli will not be paying a single penny to Man City, as competition for his services will be rife.
De Bruyne's 'most likely' transfer outcome revealed
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Multiple clubs in MLS and the Saudi Pro League will try to tempt De Bruyne away with mammoth deals, although the midfielder reportedly feels that he is not finished at the top level.
As a result, the 'most likely' outcome is that De Bruyne snubs a switch to North America or the Middle East to remain in Europe for a little while longer, whether that be in the Premier League or another division.
Napoli believe that De Bruyne's preference will work to their advantage, and they are also optimistic that compatriot Lukaku can play a key role in convincing his Belgium teammate to join the club.
De Bruyne has lost his status as an undisputed starter for Pep Guardiola this season, but the 33-year-old has still produced a respectable six goals and eight assists in 36 games across all competitions.
In total, De Bruyne has amassed 108 goals and 177 assists for the Citizens, who are back in Premier League action away to rock-bottom Southampton on Saturday.
Ben Knapton
