Napoli manager Carlo Ancelotti has given club president Aurelio De Laurentiis the green light to open negotiations with Tottenham full-back Kieran Trippier, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The source says that the Italian boss has convinced De Laurentiis to move away from his usual policy of signing young, promising talent by targeting the 28-year-old England international, who has made 37 appearances in all competitions this term.
Gazzetta dello Sport while negotiations between the two clubs are expected to take time, Trippier is keen on moving away from North London.
An earlier report from Goal had suggested that Napoli were also interested in Liverpool full-back Nathaniel Clyne.
OPINION
This is very bad news for Tottenham. Trippier has been fantastic for Mauricio Pochettino’s side and is one of the key reasons for their progression over the last few seasons. The defender may not have had the best 2018/19 campaign, but it may just be a blip. If the North London club lose the 28-year-old, they are going to have to act fast and get in a replacement. Full-backs – like in any team – are an important part of the Tottenham side and there is no doubt that Tottenham would want to keep Trippier for his creativity. But if this report is true – and the player himself is keen on the move – there is little Spurs are going to be able to do to keep hold of him if the negotiations go well. Overall, it is imperative that Spurs keep Trippier as it will be a massive step backwards if he was to leave North London for a move to the Italian giants.