Two top Italian clubs have targeted Aberdeen midfielder Ryan Jack in a deal that could be worth up to £2million.
Roma have been monitoring the progress of the Dons midfielder, who is under contract at Pittodrie for another 18 months, but they face competition for the former Scotland under-21 international from Napoli.
Although no bid has been made, it is believed Ryan Jack could be valued at up to £2million by the Dons as he still has more than a season remaining on his contract.
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has secured all of his key players on new long-term deals in the last month and Jack is the last of high-profile first team regulars the club is keen to tie down.
But with the club three points behind leaders Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership and preparing for a League Cup semi-final against Dundee United on Saturday, Jack has asked for all talks to be delayed until the end of the season.
The Dons’ attempts to keep their player, who has become an integral part of the midfield, could be tested by a bid from Serie A.
Roma, who are second in Serie A, had been tracking Jack but third-placed Napoli’s need for reinforcements is regarded as more pressing in Italy as they continue their chase for a top-three finish and with it a place in next season’s Champions League. It appears the Partenopei have jumped to the head of the queue.
Napoli, who beat Genoa 2-1 at home last night to move into third place in the table, are looking for midfield reinforcements and have been scouting Feyenoord captain Jordy Clasie and Anderlecht’s 17-year-old midfielder Youri Tielemans.
But agent Ivan Reggiani claims Rafa Benitez’s side has also been watching Jack and views the Dons player as a potential addition to the squad.
Reggiani believes Jack’s experience and price tag make him an enticing proposition ahead of the other two midfielders.
He said: “The squad of Napoli needs some reinforcement especially at the back. It must be at least a defender and a midfielder.
“Ryan Jack is a great Scottish footballer and has made a lot of appearances for his club despite being only 22.
“Tielemans and Jordy Clasie are important players at their clubs and command exorbitant prices.
“In a short time Jack has become a champion.”
