Jorginho deal not yet done for City

CITY are still to reach an agreement with Napoli over Jorginho.

The Italian international is Pep Guardiola’s principal target as he looks to reinforce his midfield and find a longterm successor to Fernandinho in the engine room of the team.

City wanted to get their transfer business wrapped up quickly, but negotiations with the Serie A side have proven difficult, with both clubs starting around £20m apart on their valuation of the player.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis spoke last week about the latest round of talks over the player, suggesting that a deal would soon be sorted.

However, despite reports saying the deal is done, there is still work to be done before the player’s move can be completed.

City board member Alberto Galassi, who hosted Guardiola and City bosses last month to celebrate their Premier League title triumph, explained how the club have found it difficult to reach an agreement.

“The club is interested, the player is also interested and Napoli is not opposed to the move,” he said.

“Having said that, there are still some things to sort out and it’s not done yet. It’s not an easy negotiation.”

Southampton’s Mario Lemina and Real Madrid’s Mateo Kovacic are options if a deal cannot be agreed, but Jorginho remains the primary target for the Blues as they look to defend the Premier League title.