Manchester United Transfer News: Dries Mertens Offer Reported, Latest Rumours

Manchester United have submitted a "major" bid to Napoli for Belgian striker Dries Mertens and are ready to offer him €4.7 million (£4.06 million) a year after tax, per La Repubblica (h/t Calciomercato).

The 26-year old has reportedly refused Napoli's attempts to impose a €100 million release clause into his contract, per La Nazione (h/t Calciomercato), adding to the sense that he will not remain in Naples for much longer.

Mertens has scored 20 league goals this season in Serie A, helping Napoli maintain their unexpected challenge for a Champions League place. His stunning form was highlighted recently by Squawka on Twitter:

United appear to be the most likely destination for Mertens, with club representatives having met with the player a "few weeks ago," according to Calciomercato.

His work rate and neat interplay outside the penalty area make him an attractive option for Jose Mourinho, whose current forwards arguably lack the ability to influence play outside the box. What's more, Zlatan Ibrahimovic may not be at the club next season.

The Swede is yet to announce whether he intends to take up the option of a one-year extension, but he dropped a big hint on Wednesday by telling reporters he "never leaves a job unfinished" and that he is in talks with United.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Either way, a star striker like Mertens is still desirable at Old Trafford, although Mourinho will reportedly face stiff competition from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Juventus and Chelsea, per Calciomercato.

His impressive Champions League record this season—five goals in seven matches—proves that Mertens can perform at the highest level, while Napoli's second-round elimination at the hands of Real Madrid suggests the Belgian has outgrown the club.

Mourinho will be hopeful United's officials can tie up a deal quickly, not least because Mertens is generating so much interest from rival clubs. The hefty price tag is unlikely to put off many of Europe's top teams, although few can match the spending power of United.

Given that a meeting has already taken place, it looks as though the Belgian will be plying his trade in the Premier League in the near future.