Hull City have reportedly targeted Napoli goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic as they prepare for their return to the Premier League, with the Italian club prepared to consider offers upwards of €15 million.
According to Il Corriere dello Sport, the Tigers are monitoring the 27-year-old Serbian international following a single season at the Stadio Maradona. Milinkovic-Savic arrived from Torino last summer but now faces an uncertain future under new head coach Massimiliano Allegri.
Allegri preference leaves keeper vulnerable
Allegri, who recently took charge in Naples, reportedly favours Alex Meret as his first-choice goalkeeper. This preference leaves Milinkovic-Savic surplus to requirements as Napoli attempt to streamline a squad that has expanded to 47 first-team players following the return of numerous loanees.
The Partenopei are actively seeking to reduce these numbers, and the former Torino stopper appears to be among those available for transfer during the current window.
Replacements already shortlisted
Napoli have drawn up a list of potential successors should Milinkovic-Savic depart. Sporting director Giovanni Manna is monitoring PSV’s Matej Kovar, Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario and Toulouse’s Guillaume Restes as options to provide competition for Meret.
However, sources suggest Manna’s immediate priority remains securing outgoing transfers to generate funds and free up squad space before committing to new arrivals.
Premier League opportunity
For Hull City, capturing an established international with Serie A experience would strengthen their goalkeeping department considerably. The newly-promoted side require proven quality as they aim to establish themselves in the Premier League.
Milinkovic-Savic must now decide whether to remain in Naples and battle for his position or accept the opportunity for regular first-team football in England, with Hull offering a platform to rebuild momentum ahead of international fixtures.