Man Utd tempt classy star considering fresh challenge amid Serie A wage dispute

Manchester United are showing an interest in Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne, who would be intrigued to test himself outside Italy, according to reports.

Insigne has spent his entire club career owned by Napoli, only venturing away for some formative loan spells. His rise culminated in becoming their captain in February 2019. Since then, he has continued to be an instrumental member of their squad.

The 30-year-old lifted the Coppa Italia in 2020 and went on to help Italy to European Championship glory one year later, on the back of a season in which he scored 19 goals at club level.

The left winger is very much enjoying his prime years, although his long association with Napoli may be nearing an end. He is out of contract at the end of the season and there is still no sign of a renewal.

To extend his stay at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Insigne wants a wage rise. Napoli, conversely, want him to take a cut as a result of the financial situation affecting global football.

Thus, at present, there is a standstill between the parties. As reported by Sport Mediaset, Insigne wants €7m per season, but Napoli are offering €4.5m per annum for a five-year contract.

Come January, he will be able to pick his next club if he is looking outside Serie A.

He has already been linked with a move to the Premier League. The London trio of Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal are believed to possess some interest.

But now, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Man Utd are also looking at the possibility of taking Insigne for free in 2022.

Spurs in for Napoli's Lorenzo Insigne

Tottenham are said to be interested in Napoli's Lorenzo Insigne, with more news on Sam Johnstone links and Nuno Espirito Santo.

The 51-cap international is open to an experience outside his home country, which may give them some optimism. He also may have suitors in the MLS, but it seems too soon for him at this stage of his career.

Therefore, he could consider a move to Manchester for the next chapter of his career.

Man Utd to bolster attack with Insigne?

Currently, on the left wing, United have been playing Jadon Sancho, although he generally favours the opposite side. Marcus Rashford will also be an option for them in that territory.

But Insigne could be more of a specialist to add an extra layer of technical skill to their frontline.

Whether attack should be the first area they look to strengthen is debatable. Sancho has struggled to get going since his summer transfer, showing that new arrivals can take time to fit in.

On the other hand, Insigne has plenty of experience and should be able to adapt wherever he goes.

Napoli will remain hopeful that their academy graduate will eventually commit to them. But if not, Man Utd will be waiting to pounce.

There is also interest from Inter Milan, although he could sign a pre-contract agreement with a non-Italian club before they get the chance to negotiate.

For now, he will continue with Napoli, who have a 100% record from their opening seven Serie A games. Insigne has two goals and three assists after starting all of those matches.

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