Napoli have revealed that they failed in a transfer deadline day attempt to sign Mauro Icardi from Sampdoria.
The 19-year-old is being linked with a host of top clubs after a stunning 2013 to date which has included a brace at Juventus and four goals in the 6-0 win over Pescara.
“Icardi is a favourite of mine,” President Aurelio De Laurentiis is quoted as saying in the Gazzetta dello Sport. “He was already intriguing me a lot before Christmas.
“Talks with Samp became complicated, but he is of interest to us for the future – but we are also looking at other players too.”
The Gazzetta claims that Napoli initially offered €12m for the Argentine youngster who is also of interest to Milan, Inter and Juventus.
They then offered Sampdoria €5m for a half share in him and the promise that the player could end the season at Doria.
Napoli may make a new bid at the end of the campaign.
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