Italian stopper has attracted interest from Manchester City according to reports.
Napoli captain Paolo Cannavaro’s agent has warned the club that while his client wants to stay, he will not if they are merely “putting up” with him.
Having grown up in the city, the defender is idolised by the supporters and has been a vital part of their return to the upper echelons of Italian football over the past few years.
However, it is understood that he has grown anxious as various players within the squad have renegotiated their contracts while he has yet to be recognised.
Speculation has suggested that Premier League side Manchester City have been monitoring his situation, but the rumours have not been confirmed by either party.
Nevertheless, Enrico Fedele has delivered a warning to the club, in what has been interpreted as a message to begin contract talks as opposed to genuinely scaring the Partenopei into thinking their captain may consider leaving.
“It’s the usual problem for Cannavaro, which is that Neapolitans who wear the Napoli jersey are often underestimated,” Fedele told Radio Kiss Kiss as reported by Football Italia.
“As soon as a new face arrives, they immediately get pushed out of the way. Paolo believes in meritocracy, not in being ruled out regardless of form or talent.
“He wants to stay at Napoli, but not if the club is just ‘putting up’ with him. Nobody has a guaranteed starting spot, as you have to fight for it based on form.
“Anyone who knows they are an important player needs consideration. Let’s not forget last year Napoli had the second best defensive record in Serie A,” he concluded.
Napoli finished second in the league last season, with only eventual champions Juventus boasting a better defensive record than the southern giants.
It remains to be seen whether City will make a move for the 32-year-old, or whether Fedele’s remarks spark Napoli into beginning talks over a new deal.
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