Midfielder Marek Hamsik it appears, has caught the attention of Alex Ferguson for the January transfer window.
The fact that Ryan Giggs is beginning to age, and the fact that veteran midfielder Paul Scholes will only have his name on soccer memorabilia soon has surely brought to Alex Fergusons attention that some expensive midfielders are required to boost the team.
Manchester is not alone in regards to Hamsik, both Chelsea and rivals Liverpool have shown interest in the star midfielder. Starting his career with Slovan Bratislava the Slovakian international quickly proved his ability and was bought by Brescia. Managing to score 10 goals at Brescia from the midfield before being lifted from the team for 5.5 m Euros to move to Napoli.
Since joining Napoli in 2007, the goal scoring efforts of Hamsik have made him one of the best in Serie A. Managing to score 25 goals in 81 games Hamsik’s form has been some of the best in the league. The Slovakian midfielder has quickly been named the best midfielder in Serie A by experts throughout Italy after his two goals against Juventus.
Hamsik’s performances have been equally impressive for his national side, Slovakia. His efforts were a major part in Slovakia’s entry into the World Cup in 2010. He may well re-write the history of the soccer World Cup.
Riccardo Bigon however has stated over the last few weeks that they have no intention of selling the player.
“Manchester United are after Hamsik? If we rejected the rumours regarding a friend like [Carlo] Ancelotti and his Chelsea, it is obvious we also reject these rumours.”
These comments have since been substantiated by Napoli chairman Aurielo De Laurentiis who confirmed:
“Many clubs have requested Hamsik, it’s true, but he will stay with us for the long-term”
Manchester United hope to make their move in Summer and if Napoli’s stance will remain the same is still unknow. Napoli’s short budget will defiantly play a factor in their decision to keep Hamsik or to sell him if a good offer is made.
Chelsea’s desperation to buy players may push any deals between the two clubs away. Roman Abramovich has purportedly given manager Carlo Ancelotti the green light to make a £25m move for the player so. However with Chelsea set to be banned from transfers from February, it seems likely that the Blues will only be able to make a move for Hamsik during the transfer window and as such, the Londoners could gazump United’s own plans for the midfielder many pundits feel is cut from the same cloth as Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes.
