From Italy: Manchester City and Chelsea make 'phone calls' for Napoli midfielder

Manchester City and Chelsea have both made 'phone calls' regarding Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, according to information from Italy.

The Premier League duo are known to always be active when it comes to sounding out potential fresh talents for their first-team squads.

For Manchester City, the most recent summer window drew them back to the transfer market for a central midfield purchase.

That came in the form of Leeds United hero Kalvin Phillips, who switched away from the Yorkshire club in a deal surpassing the £40 million mark.

Kalvin Phillips in a Manchester City shirt.

But it seems as though City are not entirely ruling themselves out should a new midfield talent become available on the market.

RAI journalist Ciro Venerato, while speaking to TV Luna and translated by Sport Witness, has revealed that while there is optimism regarding a fresh deal for the Slovakian midfielder, clubs have already shown interest.

“We are at a good point (in contract negotiations), we are still discussing," Venerato explained.

"I’m not saying it’s done, because I give certainties only when there is a signature or the agreement is very close.

"We are not yet at this. Napoli are willing to give him €2.5 million per season, but the player’s entourage are trying to get a contract worth over €3 million per year."

Ciro Venerato continued by revealing clubs that have been showing an interest via the player's agent amid progressing contract renewal talks.

“There is confidence between the parties for a successful conclusion of the deal.

"Lobotka’s agent has also received at least two phone calls: one from Chelsea, the other from Manchester City.”

Any move from the Premier League champions is likely to be put on hold until next summer.

Officials from within the Etihad Stadium are understood to be drawing up a list of potential midfield recruits amid uncertain futures for a number of their current midfield options.

Bernardo Silva remains uncommitted to the longer term future at Manchester City, and is likely to command further interest from FC Barcelona next summer.

Manchester City's Bernardo Silva (Twitter)

As for the club captain Ilkay Gundogan, the Germany international is edging towards the expiration of his current Etihad deal - which is up at the end of the ongoing season.

Manchester City are understood to be keen to open talks with Gundogan, who has played an integral role in the success seen by Pep Guardiola since he arrived at the club in the summer of 2016.