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 future of a series of unitedHomegrown players, such as Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford, have come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks, with few players now considered “untouchable‘ as coach Ruben Amorim looks to reshape his squad.
The Portuguese manager took over as United manager in November, replacing the previously sacked Erik ten Hag, and has attempted to implement the 3-4-3 system with which he had great success at Sporting CP.
Performances have been up and down, with players struggling to adapt to playing with full-backs and a more organized press, and a final hat-trick from emerging star Amad Diallo it was necessary for United to topple Premier League bottom club Southampton 3-1 on Thursday night.
BBC Sport reports that Napoli’s approach for Garnacho has been rejected by United, who despite being willing to listen to offers, are not actively looking to offload the Argentine. A fee of around £40m is understood to have been discussed, around £20m below United’s alleged valuation.
“That’s clear. He has talent,” Amorim said of Garnacho ahead of the Southampton game. “I think he changed the way he sees himself. He’s finding the best way to play in this system and he’s getting better in practice.”
Garnacho played all 90 minutes of United’s win, suggesting he has the backing of Amorim, and has been a regular in the team this season ahead of Rashford, who looks more likely to leave Old Trafford after fall out of favor
AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund are the main suitors to sign the 27-year-old, the former interested in a loan while the Bundesliga giants could seal a permanent deal – while there is domestic loan interest from Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
It is unclear where Rashford, who earns £325,000-a-week under his United contract which runs until 2028, will end up, although his ‘dream’ would be in Barcelona – have also been linked despite serious financial problems.
