Aurelio De Laurentiis has suggested a move for Manchester City’s out-of-contract playmaker is close.
Napoli appear confident of signing Kevin De Bruyne (Martin Rickett/PA)open image in gallery
Napoli appear confident of signing Kevin De Bruyne (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)
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Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has claimed Kevin De Bruyne has bought a villa in Italy ahead of a potential move to the Serie A champions.
De Bruyne is out of contract and leaving Manchester City this summer after a decade at the Etihad Stadium in which he has won six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
The 33-year-old Belgium playmaker has also been linked with a move to the United States but De Laurentiis appears confident of securing his services for Napoli.
De Laurentiis was asked about the possibility as the club held an open-top bus parade to celebrate their second title success in three years.
He told RAI: “Will he get to lift this cup too? Probably yes. I know that he’s sorted a few things already and I believe he’s already bought a beautiful villa.
“This morning I was on a video call with him, his wife and his nine-year-old son and it was a beautiful sight.”
But asked if this could be considered official confirmation of a move, De Laurentiis added: “Not yet. Until it’s in black and white, there will be no confirmation.”
De Bruyne made his 421st and, in all likelihood, final appearance for City as a late substitute in their last Premier League game of the season at Fulham on Sunday.
De Bruyne could still be eligible to represent City at this summer’s Club World Cup but he is not expected to be involved in the tournament in the United States.