'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What’s the rumour?
As reported by Mirror, Manchester United have joined the race to sign Jorginho from Napoli this summer. He is touted to be a target for Chelsea as well.
In case you didn't know:
Napoli are enjoying an excellent season. They are second in the league table and are 14 points clear of third placed Roma. Currently, they sit 5 points behind Juventus, who have played an extra game. They will be looking to claim top spot, come May.
One player who has been key to this resurgence has been Jorginho. The Italian has been pulling the strings at the heart of their midfield and has been playing consistently at the highest level. This naturally garners attention from the top clubs and it is no surprise that these two English giants find themselves in the running for his signature.
The heart of the matter:
Following Nemanja Matic's departure, the replacements Antonio Conte brought in have not been able to fill his void. Tiemoue Bakayoko has failed to impress and Danny Drinkwater has struggled with injuries. If Conte is in charge at the club next season, he will want to sign a quality midfielder.
Jose Mourinho, on the other hand, is prepared for the departures of Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini this summer. The former has confirmed his retirement after 12 long years at the club and the latter is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a move away. Jose is sure to strengthen his midfield this summer.
Jorginho seems to be a common target for both managers. He has a contract till 2020 and Napoli will demand a fee well upwards of his current market value which is around £25.2 million.
Rumour rating/probability - 7/10
Many sources have sited the same and there seems to be some truth in it. Although Napoli will want to keep hold of their asset, a substantial offer may change their mind.
Video: Jorginho this season
Author’s take
Chelsea and Manchester United are almost certain to strengthen their central midfield area this summer and Jorginho will fit in perfectly in either clubs' line-up. The 26-year-old may be open to a new challenge and a move will restore both teams' title credentials.
