Napoli are confident of signing Tottenham Hotspur defender Kieran Trippier for £25 million, according to the Independent.
Earlier this week, we relayed reports suggesting Atletico Madrid have entered the race to sign Trippier, who has been tracked by Napoli in recent months.
But the Independent claims the Italian side are in pole position to sign the former Burnley right-back.
Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti has admitted Trippier is among the players being tracked by the Serie A runners-up, while some reports have gone as far to say personal terms have already been agreed between player and club.
Those stories were likely a little premature, with the Independent insisting a deal is not done yet.
However, the newspaper’s report claims Napoli are confident of sealing a £25 million deal for Trippier, which will see Spurs make a healthy profit on a 28-year-old who has endured a difficult season.
Trippier shone for England at the World Cup last summer but has been inconsistent for Tottenham since returning from Russia, receiving plenty of criticism for his defending.
Spurs are expected to be busy this summer, and Trippier’s potential departure could be just the start of the club’s business.
I’m amazed sides are interested. I know he could put this season behind him and do better, but he simply isn’t a good defender. Being pretty good at free kicks and crossing isn’t enough. He can’t take players on and teams target him and raid down his flank.