THE FUSE

Napoli are eyeing Sven Mijnans as a possible successor to Kevin De Bruyne, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports. The 26-year-old PSV midfielder is firmly on the Italian club's radar. De Bruyne could go the other way, with PSV strongly interested in the Belgian star.

For some time, sporting director Giovanni Manna has had his scouting department monitor Mijnans and sees the midfielder as an interesting addition to the midfield. La Gazzetta describes the PSV player as a "force of nature", possibly referring to his running ability and dynamism. Napoli are now assessing which reinforcements they need during the winter transfer window.

Uncertainty over De Bruyne's future is driving the interest in Mijnans. The 35-year-old Belgian's Napoli contract is due to expire, although the club have an option to extend it by a year. PSV have contacted Napoli to seek clarity on his situation.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, PSV have asked whether Napoli intend to exercise the contract option. They also appear to be exploring whether an earlier move is open to discussion. De Bruyne himself is ruling nothing out: "I have received various messages; we will see what happens."

A January departure for De Bruyne is possible, according to the Italian newspaper. Napoli are under no financial pressure to sell the playmaker, but his substantial salary is a factor. If PSV make an attractive offer and the Belgian is open to a new adventure, negotiations could begin.

With André-Frank Zambo Anguissa's contract also expiring next summer, Napoli are preparing for his possible departure. The midfielder could leave as early as January, so Napoli are looking for reinforcements regardless. If both Anguissa and De Bruyne leave, that search will become even more important.

Among the candidates Napoli find interesting is Mijnans. The club's management know the Dutch market extremely well and have maintained good contacts with PSV for years. Whether that interest leads to a bid for the midfielder remains unclear.

The two clubs have done business several times before. Dries Mertens moved from PSV to Napoli for around €10 million in 2013, while Hirving Lozano made the same move for €38 million in 2019. Mijnans could follow their example, while De Bruyne could take the opposite route.