Napoli set Verdi deadline

Napoli have given Bologna winger Simone Verdi until Sunday to give the all-clear to a transfer, otherwise they’re going for Gerard Deulofeu from Barcelona.

According to a report on Radio Goal, the Partenopei have agreed basic terms with Barcelona and Deulofeu, but still see him as their second choice behind Verdi.

They won’t wait around forever, so Verdi has been given until Sunday to give a response on a January transfer.

The Italy international is worried that making the move mid-season will see him relegated to the Napoli bench.

Unlike Deulofeu, he has already played with Coach Maurizio Sarri during their time at Empoli.

The 25-year-old can play on the right wing, left wing or behind the strikers, and is also a free kick specialist who famously scored set plays with both feet in a single Serie A game.

So far this season, Verdi has contributed six goals and five assists in 20 Serie A appearances.