Manchester United are reportedly bracing themselves for an improved offer from Napoli for Alejandro Garnacho.
Garnacho's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with Napoli said to be determined to sign the 20-year-old before the end of the January transfer window as a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is heading for Paris Saint-Germain.
Man United have allegedly rejected a £40m offer from the Italian giants, and the attacker has crucially started the team's last two matches, including against Southampton on Thursday night.
Garnacho played the full 90 minutes of the contest, as Man United came from a goal behind to win 3-1, with Amad Diallo netting three times for the 20-time English champions in the latter stages.
His involvement sent a transfer message, with head coach Ruben Amorim seemingly keen to keep hold of him, but Napoli are expected to present an improved offer before the transfer window closes.
According to journalist Alfredo Pedulla, the Italian team are set to return with a fresh bid in the hope that Man United engage in discussions, but an agreement being found it still thought to be a long shot.
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Man United 'not looking to actively sell Garnacho'
Journalist Ben Jacobs has said that Man United are "not actively" looking to sell Garnacho and will only "meaningfully engage" in discussions if an offer in the region of £59m is received.
"There's a significant gulf in valuation between Napoli and Manchester United for Alejandro Garnacho. #MUFC not actively looking or pushing to sell in January and will only meaningfully engage if an offer similar to the package for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is made. €70m (£59m)+ required," Jacobs posted on his X account.
Garnacho has scored eight goals and registered five assists in 31 appearances for Man United this season, although he has found it difficult to impress in the Premier League, only managing three goals and one assist in 20 outings in the competition.
There remain question marks surrounding his suitability for Amorim's 3-4-3 system, with Garnacho still struggling to adapt to the role of an inside forward for the 20-time English champions.
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Will Garnacho leave Man United before the end of January?
The circumstances surrounding PSR make a January deal possible, as Man United would have to listen to serious offers for Garnacho, with his sale counting as pure profit under the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.
However, Napoli and Man United are some way apart when it comes to their valuations, and with the Red Devils not expected to budge, it is difficult to imagine a transfer happening in the January market.
The fact that Garnacho played the full 90 minutes against Southampton on Thursday was also telling, with Amorim making it clear that he views the former Atletico Madrid youngster as a part of his plans moving forward.
Matt Law
