Napoli work to make Tottenham midfielder their third January signing

Napoli have reached an agreement to sign Pasquale Mazzocchi and are close to Lazar Samardzic, while Pierre-Emile Højbjerg or Boubakary Soumaré could become their third January signing, reports Gazzetta.

The Partenopei must bounce back after a disappointing first part of the season, which has seen them slip out of a European placement, 17 points below Serie A leaders Inter.

The defending champions have secured a deal to sign versatile Salernitana defender Mazzocchi who is expected to sign his contract with Napoli and train with the Partenopei for the first time today.

Wednesday’s printed edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (page 12) confirms the Partenopei are also close to Samardzic. The two parties have already reached a verbal agreement for circa €20m but are working on bonuses and a player to potentially include in the deal. According to Gazzetta, Alessio Zerbin is an option for Udinese.

There will be more new signings at the Stadio Maradona and Gazzetta claims one between Tottenham midfielder Højbjerg and Leicester City loanee Soumaré, currently at Sevilla, could be the next new face joining the Azzurri, who need a backup for André Zambo Anguissa. Preliminary talks between the Partenopei and Højbjerg’s entourage have already started.

The fourth and final signing will be a centre-back with Genoa defender Radu Dragusin on top of Napoli’s wishlist, but Aurelio De Laurentiis is unwilling to match the Grifone’s €30m asking price.