Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 8y

Juventus forward Simone Zaza closing in on Napoli transfer - father

Simone Zaza's father says the Juventus forward is close to joining Napoli after a proposed move to Wolfsburg broke down.

Antonio Zaza, who acts as his son's agent, told Il Corriere dello Sport a switch to the Premier League was now unlikely.

"It [Napoli] is an option that we are considering very carefully," Zaza Sr said.

"We spoke with Napoli's sporting director [Cristiano] Giuntoli at length yesterday, and Napoli have serious intentions when it comes to Simone."

Zaza recently visited Wolfsburg ahead of a proposed €25 million switch to the Bundesliga club, who have since brought in Mario Gomez from Fiorentina.

There had been reports of interest from West Ham and Southampton, but no official approach.

"None of them have been in touch with us so I don't believe they are interested," Zaza Sr said.

"West Ham have had their eye on him for a while and they are a big club, but I must underline one thing -- Simone would only leave Juventus on a permanent move. We have no intention of accepting any loan.

"Simone has always said he would like to stay in Italy."

Zaza was unhappy about his lack of opportunities at Juve last season and, following the arrival of Gonzalo Higuain, is unlikely to be given more of a chance this season.

Napoli signed Arkadiusz Milik to replace Higuain, but with Manolo Gabbiadini's future unsure and a Champions League campaign on the horizon, they are keen to strengthen their attack further.

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