Manchester City have had a £39million offer for Jorginho rejected by Napoli who hope a bidding war breaks out between them and Chelsea for the Italy midfielder.
City have made Jorginho one of their top summer targets and aim to secure his signing before the World Cup starts.
However, Napoli have rebuffed their opening bid of €45million and want €60million or £52million.
Former coach Maurizio Sarri is expected to be appointed as Chelsea’s next boss and the Serie A side believe the Italian will want to take Jorginho with him to Stamford Bridge.
Napoli feel this strengthens their hand in negotiations with City and insist the Premier League champions will not get Jorginho for less than their asking price.
City want Jorginho to take some of the load off Fernandinho’s shoulders and remain confident of getting their man.
The Blues have been working on the deal for months and hope to land the 26-year-old former Verona man, who scored against them in last season’s Champions League to strengthen Pep Guardiola’s already-impressive squad.
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