Napoli approach Torino over Cacciamani as Varela tops January wishlist

What happened

Napoli have contacted Torino about winger Alessio Cacciamani, with Monza's Gustavo Varela identified as their dream target as the club plans for the January transfer window, according to Corriere dello Sport. The report says Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has spoken directly with his Torino counterpart Urbano Cairo about the 19-year-old.

Report details

Cacciamani came through Torino's academy and is described as a right-footed winger who plays on the left. He has started 11 of Torino's 12 games across Serie A and the Coppa Italia, scoring once and providing one assist, and he is an Italy Under-21 international. Torino rejected a bid of around €12m from Roma in the summer and asked for at least €20m, and the report states his value has only risen since, suggesting he would not come cheap for Napoli.

Varela leads Serie A with nine goals and has 11 in all competitions, and is valued at €25-30m. Former club Benfica hold a sell-on clause plus the right to match any offer. Monza CEO Mauro Baldissoni indicated the club wants to keep him, saying: "The aim is to keep him with us until the end of the season. There are no negotiations, it's all very premature, but the market is dynamic."

Napoli's search for a left winger could also be connected to Noa Lang's uncertain future following his clash with supporters during Sunday's draw with Lazio, according to the report. Chelsea's Jamie Gittens reportedly remains on Napoli's list as well.