A fresh twist in the transfer saga surrounding Serbian sensation Matija Popovic has been revealed on Monday evening.
The name of youngster Popovic has of course emerged as a central one in the Italian media over the last couple of weeks.
This comes after the 18-year-old – available as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Partizan Belgrade – flew out to Milan to put pen to paper on terms with the Rossoneri.
Despite a five-year contract offer having been on the table, though, at the last, the deal reached an impasse.
This came owing to the refusal of the San Siro hierarchy to meet the agent fees demanded by Popovic’s representatives.
This, in turn, opened the door for Juventus to enter the fray, also said to be keen admirers of the talents boasted by the versatile attack-minded midfielder.
The Bianconeri have since found themselves equally frustrated by talks with Popovic and his team, however, unable to come to an agreement on acceptable fees.
And this, remarkably, now appears to have culminated in yet another of Italian football’s giants throwing their hat in the ring for Popovic.
As per a report from Gianluca Di Marzio, Napoli, sensing an opportunity, have begun ‘pushing’ for the signature of the teenage prodigy. The Partenopei are ready to work in synergy with fellow Serie A outfit Frosinone, as part of a deal which would see Popovic commit to terms with the former, before joining Eusebio Di Francesco’s side on loan.
The Napoli brass, though, will need to work quickly, with the likes of Bayern Munich, Porto, and Manchester City all keeping a close eye on the situation, too.
Conor Laird | GIFN
