Washington: Rafael Benitez is attempting to negotiate a loan deal to take the out-of-favour Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini to Napoli.
Fellaini, a £27.5 million (Dh171.2 million) signing from Everton last August, returned to pre-season training at Carrington on Monday facing a bleak future at Old Trafford, with Louis van Gaal, the new manager, making it clear to senior figures that the Belgium international does not fit into his first-team plans.
David Moyes’ first signing endured a campaign marred by injury and loss of form last term. He made 21 appearances without scoring and became a symbol of Moyes’ failed reign due to his inability to make a positive contribution to the team.
With Van Gaal determined to operate a 4-2-3-1 formation with Juan Mata deployed as a playmaker in the No 10 position, and the summer signing Ander Herrera poised to play a deeper role, Fellaini’s prospects are limited under the Dutch coach.
But Benitez, the Napoli manager, is an admirer of the powerful midfielder and believes his physical style will suit Italian football.
United accept their prospects of selling Fellaini, 26, this summer are limited due to his £100,000-a-week wages, but Napoli would be prepared to pay a portion of his salary along with a loan fee. Lazio are understood also to be interested in the former Standard Liege player, but Napoli are the leading candidates.
Van Gaal is also prepared to offload Nani and Anderson, and is ready to listen to offers for Shinji Kagawa. The Japanese midfielder, a £17 million signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2012, is regarded as cover for Mata, but Van Gaal is content with his alternative options.
Robin van Persie reported on Monday for pre-season training at Carrington, following his summer break.
United, meanwhile, are to discuss 2015 pre-season tour plans with Van Gaal next month after being invited to return to the United States to stage lucrative friendlies in New York, Dallas and Chicago next summer. Van Gaal has repeatedly made clear his frustration with the demands placed on his players in terms of travelling times and distances, as well as heat and altitude issues that have been raised.
