Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio claims that today’s talks between Napoli and Tottenham over midfielder Étienne Capoue ended in deadlock.
Napoli sporting director Riccardo Bigon flew to London to try and secure the signature of French international Étienne Capoue, but this afternoon’s negotiations reportedly didn’t go according to plan.
The Azzurri are looking to reinforce their squad for the second half of the season having dropped off the Scudetto pace.
Partenopei owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has money to spend and Napoli have been linked with a host of midfielders, including Capoue, Verona star Jorginho, ex-Lyon man Michel Bastos and Chelsea’s Michael Essien.
While final talks continue for Jorginho, Napoli sporting director Bigon had been looking to snap up Tottenham outcast Capoue in the capital.
Reports yesterday indicated that Napoli were looking to table an offer of around £9m at the very highest.
The two clubs are set to reopen discussions soon but Napoli could now turn their attentions to another London-based target in Essien.
Ghanaian star Essien has become surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and could be available on loan – an option that would be tempting for Bigon to pursue while he is in London.
image: © luigig
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