James Rodriguez's move to Napoli goes cold

Will turn attention towards Lozano

Posted Monday, August 12, 2019 by Marca.com

James Rodriguez has been persistently linked with a move to Napoli this summer, but it now seems that the Partenopei are turning their attention towards a move for PSV Eindhoven winger Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano after growing frustrated in their pursuit of the Real Madrid playmaker.

Napoli had been in advanced negotiations with Real Madrid for James, but Los Blancos' refusal to allow him to head to the Stadio San Paolo on loan with an option to buy has led Carlo Ancelotti's side to accept that it's unlikely that the Colombian will join the club.

La Gazzetta dello Sport are the ones reporting that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is almost ready to give up in his attempt to sign James.

"Napoli are close to giving up with James Rodriguez," they say.

"Aurelio De Laurentiis is not willing to buy him right now, as Florentino Perez has asked.

"Cristiano Giuntoli has turned his full attention to Hirving Lozano and he is conducting negotiations with PSV Eindhoven."

From Napoli's perspective, they realise that Lozano is four years younger, plus he is more attainable.

Although Napoli's fans and Ancelotti himself has dreamt of seeing James at the club, the Italian coach hinted prior to the Barcelona match that they may miss out on the 28-year-old.

"I don't want to talk about James today," Ancelotti said.

"He's found me on a bad day."