Napoli director Giovanni Manna has insisted that it would be "absurd" to talk about speculation involving Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.
Last month, it was revealed that the Belgium international's decade-long stay at the Etihad Stadium would be coming to a conclusion at the end of his contract in June.
With the veteran hinting that it was the club's decision, rather than his own, not to renew his terms, there has been talk regarding a potential switch to another Premier League team.
Nevertheless, speculation emerged last week which suggested that Napoli had become major players in the race for his signature, helped by De Bruyne and his wife having gotten married in Naples and being admirers of the location.
As such, there is seemingly a realistic possibility of the 33-year-old lining up in the sky blue of the Serie A title contenders in 2025-26.
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"It is only normal"
Speaking in an interview with DAZN, Manna has attempted to cool down any talk regarding De Bruyne at a time when Napoli are going toe-to-toe with Inter Milan for the top-flight crown in Italy.
That said, he has indicated that Napoli are quietly surveying the market, saying: "It is only normal that we are looking around at opportunities, but I think it is absurd to talk about the transfer market now, when we are three games away from achieving a dream.
"Having said that, of course we are keeping an eye out and staying alert on what could happen."
Manna was also answering in response to rumours about a possible move for Lille forward Jonathan David, another player who will become available on a free transfer in due course.
Napoli are free to contact both players should they so wish courtesy of being able to hold open pre-contract discussions with players at foreign teams.
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What next?
As alluded to by Manna, the focus is on trying to win the Serie A title, Napoli sitting one point clear at the top of the standings despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Genoa on Sunday.
However, there will also be an acknowledgement that they can ill-afford to lose any ground in the race for De Bruyne, aware that it would be viewed as a notable coup if they can secure his signature.
Although may wish to see how the Serie A title race pans out, Napoli would become the best-performing Italian side of the last three years if they lift the title having also won the 2022-23 crown.
Darren Plant
