Dries Mertens keen on signing Napoli extension

Dries Mertens has insisted that he would be open to signing a contract extension with Napoli.

The Belgium international, whose career started with SC Eendracht Aalst, has entered his seventh season in Naples, where he has scored 114 goals in 286 games.

With his contract due to expire next year, meaning that he could talk to other clubs in January, there has been speculation surrounding whether the striker would seek a move elsewhere.

Speaking to RBTF about his future, Mertens said: "I've never felt so fresh. I'm 32, but I feel better than some 25, 26 year-olds. Maybe it's because I don't have kids. I'm playing the best football of my career and I intend to play well for a long time.

"Of course I think about Maradona's record. Everyone's talking about it! I'm very proud about getting so close to a legend like Diego.

"I can only say that I want to stay at Napoli, but right now I can't say any more than that."

The 32-year-old has become something of a cult hero at Napoli, and is just one goal behind Diego Maradona's record of 115 goals for the club.

Mertens already has five goals in all competitions so far this term at Napoli, who are fourth in Serie A after seven games.