Atletico Madrid are set to rival Napoli for the signature of Tottenham Hotspur defender Kieran Trippier, according to reports in Italy.
Napoli have been heavily linked with a move for Trippier in recent weeks, with manager Carlo Ancelotti admitting the right-back is among the players being tracked by the Serie A club.
Earlier this week, we relayed reports suggesting Trippier has already agreed personal terms with Napoli, meaning all that is left is for a transfer fee to be agreed with Spurs.
However, Italian outlet Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli (via Football Italia) claims Atletico Madrid are set to make a big offer for Trippier in order to beat Napoli to the England international.
The news comes as something as a surprise given Atletico boss Diego Simeone likes his defenders to… defend, something Trippier has struggled with this season.
The 28-year-old has endured a difficult club campaign since returning from last summer’s World Cup in Russia, where he impressed for England and scored a stunning free-kick in the semi-final defeat to Croatia.
For now, we’re filing this one one under speculation.