Man United 'send scouts to watch duo in action for Antonio Conte's side'

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing two Napoli stars after sending their scouts to watch the Serie A side in action.

Napoli have made a flying start to the new season, taking 19 points from their opening eight matches to move top of the table.

And United's scouts watched their latest victory as Antonio Conte's men edged past Empoli 1-0 on Sunday.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot, and United are keen on signing him and defender Alessandro Buongiorno, according to Tutto Mercato Web.

Kvaratskhelia starred for Georgia at the Euros this summer after helping Napoli win their first Serie A title in 33 years in 2023.

He has a contract with Napoli until 2027, but is reportedly asking for €8m-a-year (£6.7m) to sign a new contract, which is more than four times his current salary.

It remains to be seen whether Napoli are willing to meet Kvaratskhelia's demands after Conte considered him unsellable in the summer, but United could offer him a wage boost in order to tempt him to Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Buongiorno only joined Napoli from Torino in the most recent transfer window for €40m (£33m) and has played a pivotal role in his team's early season success.

Napoli have only conceded five goals in their opening eight Serie A fixtures with Buongiorno at the heart of their defence.

It is understood that the Italian giants would want a fee in excess of €70m (£58m) to even consider selling Buongiorno.

United currently have six senior centre backs on their books, with summer signings Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro joining Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans as options available to Erik ten Hag.

However, the Red Devils have struggled at the back in the opening weeks of the campaign, and have turned to the 36-year-old Evans in each of their last two league games.

They may need to dip back into the transfer market again in January or next summer, and appear to have identified Buongiorno as one of their top targets.