The Scotland midfield ace could break Napoli fans' hearts by leaving the Italian club in January – Man United, Aston Villa and now Real Madrid are all said to be sniffing around
Jose Mourinho speaks to Scott McTominay as he comes off the bench during a Man Utd vs Benfica match
Jose Mourinho speaks to Scott McTominay as he comes off the bench during a Man Utd vs Benfica match(Image: Getty Images)
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Real Madrid have reportedly made an enquiry about Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay as they monitor his contract negotiations with the Italian club.
A move would reunite the 29-year-old Scotland international with Jose Mourinho, who previously managed him at Manchester United. But McTominay has been freshly linked with a return to Old Trafford ahead of the next transfer window.
The midfielder underwent a minor procedure to correct irregular heart rhythms in Manchester last month and recently returned to first-team training with Napoli last month, with a full return to action expected soon.
McTominay won the Serie A title and the Italian player of the year award in his debut season at Napoli in 2024-25, with 13 goals in 36 games. He also made the Ballon d'Or shortlist. After becoming a fan icon in Napoli, he followed up with 14 goals in 44 appearances last season.
However, the midfielder – who was born in Lancaster and qualifies for Scotland through his father – turns 30 in December, while his camp reportedly wants around €8million (£6.8m) per year for a new contract. With talks at a stalemate, many supporters now fear he will be sold in January.
Napoli signed him for €30m (£25.4m) and the Italian club is thought to be open to offers of €25-€30m, which would represent a canny bit of transfer business. He has also been linked with a move to Aston Villa – but now Real Madrid have entered the running, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli
Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli(Image: Photo Goal Pix/Shutterstock)
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McTominay was given his Manchester United debut by Jose Mourinho, who is now in his second spell at the Bernabéu, and he has always been a huge admirer of the player he called "my boy".
"The players that I most enjoyed [coaching] were the ones that gave me everything," Mourinho told Rio Ferdinand Presents in 2024. "Everything. The ones that I felt they couldn't give anything more than what they gave, these are my players. Then if you want to, kind of, preferred… I don't want to be unfair to people and I will be unfair but when you play a kid, the kid becomes your kid for life. That is always my feeling.
"So I look to Raphael Varane now at the end of his career, he is my kid. When I look to Scott McTominay, [Paul] Pogba on the bench, play Scott McTominay in Champions League against Sevilla, he is my boy. When I go club to club, I find my boys, and they are always going to be my boys."
McTominay went on to make 255 appearances for United, scoring some important goals, but only began to play his best football after his move to Italy – with many supporters of the English club left scratching their heads in amazement.
Picking up the Serie A Player of the Year award, he said: "It's sensational, it's incredible to be here and win this award. Thank you to everyone, the team, the staff, and my team-mates. My bond with Napoli is special, there are so many special places here."