Napoli have stepped-up their efforts to sign Manchester United flop Marouane Fellaini by offering fellow Belgian Dries Mertens in part-exchange.
Reports in the Italian media claim that Rafael Benitez is so desperate to bolster his defensive options, he will offer the attacking services of Mertens to secure a deal.
No cash sum has been reported yet, but with the Napoli man boasting a £17m valuation, it's unlikely United chiefs would demand a fee.
Talk of Fellaini's Old Trafford departure has accelerated since it emerged he and his agent met with Napoli chief Riccardo Bigon in Brussels.
A season-long loan had been tipped by much of the British media, but it now appears the former Liverpool boss wants the former Everton midfielder on a permanent basis.
Mertens featured in each of Belgium's World Cup fixtures, netting an 80th minute winner against Algeria.
But the addition of an attacking midfielder may not tempt Louis Van Gaal - who already has a surplus of wingers including; Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia, Wilfried Zaha, Shinji Kagawa and Arsenal target Nani.
Many Red Devils fans would be willing to let the 26-year-old leave - labelling him a bad reminder of David Moyes' miserable ten-month tenure.
The arrival of Ander Herrera could signal the end of Fellaini's short Manchester career, especially if reports that Van Gaal described him as "not a United type of player" hold merit.
Some have defended Fellaini's performances last season, citing that he was played out of position and was no worse than Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley, Darren Fletcher and Anderson.
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