Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli confirms a meeting with Lorenzo Insigne’s agent to discuss the new contract, but won’t try to buy Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa early from Fulham.
The Europa League game with Spartak Moscow kicks off at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action from today’s games on the LIVEBLOG.
Coach Luciano Spalletti has rotated his squad to a degree for this match, resting Victor Osimhen, Hirving Lozano and Anguissa ahead of this weekend’s Serie A clash with Fiorentina.
“It is very difficult, complicated and Fiorentina are doing very well with an excellent new coach in Vincenzo Italiano,” Giuntoli told Sky Sport Italia.
“The coach didn’t say anything in particular to me about rotation. He wants everyone to get playing time, as everybody needs to feel they are totally involved in the project.”
Insigne starts tonight and there were reports his agent met personally with President Aurelio De Laurentiis today.
His contract only runs to June 2022 and this is the first real progress we’ve seen in months.
“We are talking to his agent, there’s a very relaxed atmosphere and we feel confident. Both Lorenzo and the club are focused only on doing what is best for Napoli.”
Anguissa is on loan from Fulham, with an option to buy for €15m, and there were suggestions Napoli might try to activate that early in order to get a discount.
“There’s no need, as there is a set release clause in June, so it would be absurd to pay money earlier.
“Kostas Manolas is a very important player and a lovely lad who fits in very well here. He respects the decisions of the coach and has been important both on and off the field.”
Napoli have had the ideal start to the Serie A season, winning all six games and sitting top of the table under new coach Spalletti.
“The President takes the risks and deserves the credit for building this squad. We are proud with what we’ve done and had an incredible year last season, despite all the injuries and new elements, even if unfortunately we didn’t reach the Champions League.
“Perhaps we didn’t expect to win every game so far, but we did think that we’d start this season strong.”