A transfer bombshell involving Alejandro Garnacho dropped during Manchester United's comeback win over Southampton on Thursday night.
United were outplayed for large spells by the Premier League's bottom club and were 1-0 down after Manuel Ugarte put through his own net from a corner at the end of the first half.
But Amad Diallo was United's savior yet again, scoring a 12-minute hat-trick to follow up recent away success against Liverpool and Arsenal and move Ruben Amorim's men up to 12th in the Premier League table.
The Ivorian continues to be United's bright spark and his consistent run of form has moved him well ahead of fellow youngster Garnacho, who was frustrating at Old Trafford.
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The Argentina international played the full 90 minutes but struggled to have a serious impact and his display led to plenty of negative criticism from United supporters.
The 20-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from United and during the game, an update on his situation emerged from The Athletic.
According to respected reporters David Ornstein and Laurie Whitwell, Serie A giants Napoli have approached United regarding the availability of Garnacho.
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Because he is a homegrown player, it was reported that the club would consider selling Garnacho and even Kobbie Mainoo because they represent pure profit on the balance sheet.
Napoli, where former United midfielder Scott McTominay is plying his trade, see Garnacho as the ideal candidate for outgoing star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is set to join Paris Saint-Germain imminently.
However, it's stressed that United are not currently entertaining the offer from the Naples outfit as they are not "actively seeking" to sell Garnacho.
The winger has a contract until 2028 and the report notes that recent proposed figures from Napoli are nowhere near United's valuation - believed to be around £70 million.
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Premier League rivals Spurs have also been linked with a move for Garnacho, with one report claiming they are considering making an opening bid valued at around £58 million.
Garnacho has made 117 appearances for United, scoring 23 goals - including strikes in the FA Cup and Community Shield finals.
Paul Scholes unfazed if Garnacho leaves
But United legend Paul Scholes does not appear to rate Garnacho so highly and gave a brutal assessment of him as a player on TNT Sports prior to the game.
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While Scholes admitted he would be concerned if Mainoo was to move on, he said he would have no problem with United selling Garnacho.
"United can probably get better than Garnacho," Scholes stated.
"Although he’s young and there’s more to come he’s scruffy in his technique at times and his decision making at times is really poor. I wouldn’t be worried if they sold him.
But Mainoo, I would be offended by that.
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‘The lad [Garnacho] is absolutely capable, there’s no doubt about that, but finding him a position in this team has been a struggle.’
United return to action on Sunday when they host Brighton, who got back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory away at Ipswich Town.
Topics: Alejandro Garnacho, Manchester United, Napoli
Josh Lawless