Nikola Maksimovic is asking for £40,000-a-week, with Napoli struggling to agree fresh terms with the reported West Ham United, Everton and Liverpool target, according to Napoli Piu.
After gifting Goran Pandev the opening goal in a 2-1 defeat to Genoa at the weekend – a result that leaves Gennaro Gattuso’s job in severe jeopardy – you could argue that the Serbian international is in no place to make such demands.
But one mistake is unlikely to affect Maksimovic’s reputation, especially with so many clubs in the Premier League willing to take him off Napoli’s hands.
The experienced 29-year-old is due to become a free agent at the end of the season and, with revenues taking a hit in this echoey, fan-less, world, the opportunity to sign a top-class central defender without spending a penny on transfer fees is one that cannot be missed.
Il Mattino reports that both Everton and West Ham United are keen.
Liverpool were also keen in January and it remains to be seen if Jurgen Klopp’s flagging champions plan to renew their interest once Maksimovic’s contract expires in four months (Sky Sports).
The former Torino and Red Star Belgrade ace, who was described as an ‘excellent defender’ by Carlo Ancelotti during their time together in Italy, looks increasingly unlikely to sign fresh terms.
Napoli are reluctant to meet his demands of a £40,000-a-week deal. Maksimovic currently earns £20,000.
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