Kevin De Bruyne is thought to be urging Napoli manager Antonio Conte to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City.
The Belgian midfielder, who joined the Italian champions earlier this month, has been providing positive feedback about his former teammate.
Conte has been actively seeking De Bruyne's opinion on the 29-year-old playmaker, whose Manchester City future appears uncertain after being excluded from Pep Guardiola's Club World Cup squad.
The 33-year-old De Bruyne is reportedly keen for a reunion in Naples and "hopes his glowing reference will see Conte also try to land" Grealish.
The potential transfer would see the former Aston Villa star join a growing contingent of Premier League players at Napoli.
Manchester City are prepared to accept a significant financial loss on Grealish, who cost them £100million when they signed him from Aston Villa four years ago. The Premier League champions are willing to take "a huge hit" on their record investment.
The England international would need to accept a substantial wage reduction to make the move happen. Napoli would offer "little more than half of his current £300,000-a-week salary" if they pursue a deal, according to The Sun.
Despite the financial sacrifice, Grealish is thought to be willing to accept the terms.
It is claimed his primary motivation is the opportunity to revive his international career and "force his way back into England boss Thomas Tuchel's World Cup plans".
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Everton have emerged as another potential suitor for Grealish, hoping to make him their "marquee signing" as they prepare to move into their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. However, the attraction of Serie A appears stronger for the midfielder.
Napoli face a crucial decision regarding their transfer budget. The club have £45million available to spend on either Grealish or Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho, but can only afford to sign one of the two players.
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Manchester City are open to various deal structures, including a loan arrangement with an obligation to buy. This flexibility could help facilitate Grealish's departure from the Etihad Stadium after a challenging period under Guardiola.
Napoli's Serie A title defence could feature an impressive collection of former Premier League talent. Scott McTominay, who arrived from Manchester United, has excelled to the point of being named Serie A's Player of the Year.
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The Scottish international partners ex-Chelsea and Brighton midfielder Billy Gilmour in central midfield. Former Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku is another established Premier League name on Napoli's books.
Bournemouth's Philip Billing joined on loan in January with the possibility of a permanent transfer. Should Grealish arrive, Conte's starting eleven could include six players with Premier League experience, underlining the Italian club's strategy of recruiting proven talent from English football.
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