Napoli are in advanced talks to sign defensive midfielder David Lopez from Espanyol, according to reports in the Spanish press.
The Vesuviani are looking to add a midfield player to their squad before the Serie A season begins next Sunday and the 24-year-old has become a surprise target for Rafa Benitez’s side.
Spanish media outlet Sport.es claim that although no official announcement has yet been made the deal is close to completion and the player could even sign before Napoli’s second leg Champions League qualifying round tie with Athletic in Bilbao on Wednesday night.
Sky Sport 24 also claim that talks are ongoing but they claim that the Partenopei wish to fully evaluate all options before tying up a deal.
It is believed that the player would represent a cheaper alternative than other reported midfield targets Marouane Fellaini, Sandro and Lucas Leiva.
Lopez was born and raised in Catalonia, spending his whole career so far at Espanyol bar a few loan spells in the lower Spanish divisions, and made 37 appearances in all competitions last season.
Napoli have already made changes in the midfield area this summer, with Jonathan de Guzman coming in from Villarreal and Valon Behrami departing for Hamburg.
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