Manchester United have rejected an approach from Napoli for winger Alejandro Garnacho, it has emerged.
The 20-year-old has been identified as Napoli’s top target to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is on the cusp of joining Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.
The futures of a number of United’s homegrown players, including Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford, have been the subject of intense scrutiny in recent weeks, with few players now deemed to be ‘untouchable’ as head coach Ruben Amorim looks to reshape his squad.
The Portuguese boss took over as United’s head coach in November, replacing the previously sacked Erik ten Hag, and he has tried to implement the 3-4-3 system that he enjoyed great success with at Sporting CP.
Performances have been up and down, with the players struggling to adjust to playing with wing-backs and a more organised press, and a late hat-trick from emerging star Amad Diallo was required for United to down the Premier League’s bottom club, Southampton, 3-1 on Thursday night.
BBC Sport report that Napoli’s approach for Garnacho has been turned down by United, who despite being willing to listen to offers, are not actively looking to offload the Argentine. It’s understood that a fee in the region of £40m was discussed, some £20m short of United’s alleged valuation.
“That is clear. He has talent,” Amorim said of Garnacho prior to the game with Southampton. “I think he changed the way he sees himself. He’s finding the best way to play in this system and is improving during training.”
Garnacho played all 90 minutes of United’s win, suggesting he has the backing of Amorim, and has been a regular fixture in the team this season ahead of Rashford, who is looking the most likely to leave Old Trafford after falling out of favour.
AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund are the leading contenders to sign the 27-year-old – the former interested in a loan whereas the Bundesliga giants could entertain a permanent deal – while there’s domestic loan interest from Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
It’s unclear where Rashford, who earns £325,000-per-week from his United contract that runs until 2028, will end up, though it’s alleged his ‘dream’ move would be to Barcelona – they have also been linked despite severe financial troubles.
