McTominay has already sent Garnacho a message as Man Utd ace 'agrees deal'

If Alejandro Garnacho does head through the Manchester United exit this month, he could do a lot worse than Napoli as his destination.

That would be Scott McTominay's view, at least, after the former Red Devil has enjoyed a stunning first six months in Naples. The Scotland midfielder and United academy product was cast off by the club for just £25million last summer but is now thriving in Antonio Conte's midfield, with Napoli sitting clear at the Serie A summit.

And with Garnacho being linked with a move of his own to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, reports in Italy has suggested McTominay is hard at work trying to lure his old comrade. Napoli are in the market to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is understood to be on the verge of joining Paris Saint-Germain.

McTominay was repeatedly linked with a departure from Old Trafford before the decision was finally made to cut ties last summer. And after adapting easily to the rigours of Italian football, he has been forthcoming with plaudits for his new club and the surroundings.

"I love this place," he told BBC Sport in December. "I love the fans, I love my team-mates. It has been a pleasure to be with Billy [Gilmour] every day, rather than just seeing him at Scotland, and we have helped each other a lot." McTominay's comments send a clear message to Garnacho that Napoli is a great club for which to play.

Garnacho, 20, has been subject to increased speculation over his future as United look to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Despite being a key player under Erik ten Hag, Ruben Amorim has used him sparingly, and the player is now said to be unhappy and contemplating his future.

United are reluctant to sell this month unless a huge offer comes in. However, Calciomercato claim Napoli have struck an agreement in principle with Garnacho after the club's sporting director, Giovanni Manna, met his representatives in Barcelona this week.

As if Napoli's form in Serie A wasn't enough to tempt the player, moving to the home of Diego Maradona would also have its appeal for an Argentinian winger. Although born and raised in Madrid, Garnacho has won eight caps playing for his mother's country and Maradona's old team.

"He is obviously the most iconic footballer to ever walk and play the game," McTominay told The Scotsman when talking about Maradona's legacy in Naples. "When I first walked into the stadium it was a surreal feeling knowing he is an icon, an absolute legend of football."

Kvaratskhelia has been compared to the World Cup winner and even earned his own Diego-inspired nickname, 'Kvaradona'. With around a fortnight left in the January transfer window, Napoli would have enough time to source an adequate replacement.

However, getting Garnacho out of Manchester could still prove tricky despite supposedly agreeing personal terms. While United are open to listening to offers for the winger, they're said to value the player at around £70m. United have already been heavily linked with a replacement for Garnacho should he leave, with Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo reportedly at the top of their list.