Ilic Closer To Napoli, Lazio Target Sabiri As An Alternative

According to reports, Napoli has reached an agreement with Hellas Verona's Ivan Ilic, who participated in the 2022 World Cup with Serbia.

He has been linked with several clubs in recent months, the majority of which were Lazio and AC Milan, but now it is rumored that he is close to signing with Napoli.

According to Calciomercato.com, sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has been discussing Ilic's situation with Verona for several weeks. The asking price is €25m, but a deal could be reached for €20m plus additional bonuses and incentives based on performance.

The Partenopei intend to sign him during the January transfer window, with an option or obligation to purchase at the end of the season.

Napoli will simply sign Ilic if Diego Demme, who is frustrated with a lack of playing time, decides to leave the club.

Lazio has a backup plan in place in case Ilic decides to move to Napoli. As reported by TMW, Biancoceleste would be targeting Abdelhamid Sabiri.

Currently, the former Ascoli is engaged with Morocco in Qatar, but once he returns to Italy there could be more concrete developments in his future. However, Fiorentina remains in pole position, having already offered Sampdoria five million euros plus performance bonuses.