Agent: Zinchenko was close to Napoli

Oleksandr Zinchenko “was close to Napoli and we’d be ready to discuss it again,” said the Manchester City midfielder’s agent.

The negotiations had been at an advanced stage last season, but it all fell apart and the Ukraine international remained under Pep Guardiola’s guidance.

“We are always open to proposals coming from Italy,” agent Alan Prudnikov told Radio Marte.

“Napoli showed interest both over the summer and the year before, but never managed to find an agreement with Manchester City.

“I met with (Napoli director Cristiano) Giuntoli and we laid down the foundations of a deal with Zinchenko, but the two clubs could not agree on a fee. We’d be ready to discuss it again, though.

“Zinchenko doesn’t get much playing time because he is in an extremely strong squad with a lot of competition. The games will come, because Zinchenko is training with the first team and will certainly play.

“We’ll see what happens over the next two months. Working with the best in the world allows you to improve and so he is improving.

“The prospect of working with Carlo Ancelotti is exciting to Zinchenko, but again it all depends on the two clubs reaching an agreement. He is a great Coach, one of the best in the world, and Napoli play beautiful football in the Champions League.

“They have everything it takes to attract Zinchenko to Naples.”