Napoli playing hardball over Liverpool and Tottenham target

This could prove to be a very profitable summer for Napoli, with the Serie A outfit boasting a number of players wanted by Europe’s biggest sides.

That includes Liverpool and Tottenham, who are both reportedly keen on Gli Azzurri’s midfield ace Piotr Zielinski.

The 23-year-old pulled the strings last season, allowing the likes of Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens to roar his side forward in Serie A.

Zielinski played 47 times in all, including 36 in the league as Napoli finished a fine third.

But despite posting a handy return of six goals and seven assists from his central midfield role, the Poland international only started 24 times last term.

So he’s not quite firmly forced himself into the first-team reckoning, which suggests he could be open to a move this summer.

Valued at £17m by transfermarkt.co.uk, it’s believed Liverpool have already had a £23m bid rejected.

Reports that Napoli are holding out for nearer £60m have yet to be confirmed or denied.

Tottenham are also in the hunt too, but it’s likely the White Hart Lane outfit will need to offload Moussa Sissoko first.

Spurs spent £30m on the France international 12 months, but will do well to recoup that fee after the 27-year-old failed to shine in North London.

Zielinski has only been in Naples for one year, joining the side from Udinese for £12m.

Whether or not Liverpool or Tottenham launch a serious bid remains to be seen, but should they do so, Napoli are set to make a very speed and substantial investment.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing