Man Utd ‘make contact’ with Napoli star Dries Mertens over free transfer for Belgium playmaker

MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly in the hunt for Napoli forward Dries Mertens ahead of his contract running out. Despite the Belgian, 32, being one of the Serie A side’s stars since arriving in 2013, he is set to leave in the summer amid a dressing room feud. Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis is at war […]

MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly in the hunt for Napoli forward Dries Mertens ahead of his contract running out.

Despite the Belgian, 32, being one of the Serie A side’s stars since arriving in 2013, he is set to leave in the summer amid a dressing room feud.

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Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis is at war with a number of his senior figures following the downturn in results that cost coach Carlo Ancelotti his job.

One consequence is the future of big name players being thrown into doubt, with rumours of a summer cull to re-focus the squad.

Out of contract at the end of the season, Mertens is likely to join those moving on with TuttoMercatoWeb naming United among the clubs interested.

Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund are also said to be considering a move with the winger asking Napoli for £5million-per-season if he stays at Stadio San Paolo, on a two-year deal.

But the Partenopei could even move Mertens on in January if they decide to try and fund an expensive contract offer for free agent Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Manchester United host Everton on Sunday afternoon after young striker Mason Greenwood hit a brace in the Europa League demolition of AZ Alkmaar.

Attacking reinforcements are thought to be necessary as part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad rebuild.

Salzburg starlet Erling Haaland has been strongly linked during his excellent first season in the Champions League, with Solskjaer reportedly flying to Austria to meet him yesterday.

Bundesliga side Dortmund are also in the hunt for the Norwegian having welcomed him for talks in the week.