Manchester City Transfer News: Jorginho Welcomes 'Spectacular' Interest

Napoli midfielder Jorginho has said interest in him from Manchester City and Pep Guardiola is "spectacular."

The deep-lying playmaker has been crucial to the Serie A side this season as they continue to challenge Juventus for the league title, and his performances have prompted speculation that some of European football's biggest names may make a move for him.

When asked about City being linked and praise from their manager by Corriere del Mezzogiorno, via Calciomercato.com (h/t Sport Witness), Jorginho said he was flattered.

"The recognition and praise from Guardiola, a coach so important to world football, is spectacular. In England there are teams that play football that I like," the Italy international said.

Jorginho expanded on that, via Football Italia, as he alluded that there are certain teams that fit his style of play:

“I think the Premier League suits my game, but it also depends on who I have next to me because I need to be surrounded by players with certain characteristics.

“There are teams in England who play the football I like, keeping the ball on the ground, playing a quick game with one-twos, pressing their opponents high up the pitch.

"If one of these clubs were interested in me, I’d adapt to them well, and they could adapt to my way of playing, which isn’t so common."

Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images

The manner in which Jorginho does operate is not in a way many Premier League holding midfielders go about their business. The Brazilian-born player is a regista in the Andrea Pirlo mould.

For Napoli, a team that is always seeking to dominate possession, he is arguably one of the most crucial players; Jorginho is the man who knits their slick passing moves together so expertly.

During the recent international break, journalist Adam Digby suggested Jorginho has actually surpassed some of his illustrious compatriots who operate in a similar position:

Jorginho's game is centred around his wonderful passing ability. The Azzurri star is happy to take the ball off the defence and get attacks going from deep. Then, when Napoli have inevitably pinned their opponents back, he can thread passes into tight areas or drop balls over the top of the defence.

Given his love of knocking the ball around, he would arguably be perfect for how City operate under Guardiola.

As these figures from WhoScored.com, he averages almost 100 passes per game in Italy's top flight:

City have a squad packed full of class and depth, although the base of their midfield is one area Guardiola may look to strengthen come the end of the season. As noted by Sport Witness, City have also been linked with a move for Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker Fred.

This term, the team have been pretty dependent on Fernandinho in this position, but at 32, his minutes will need to be managed in the coming campaigns.

Sam Lee of Goal noted Ilkay Gundogan has also been considered for the berth:

Gundogan is much more comfortable when afforded the license to burst forward, though, and Guardiola would surely prefer a natural in the role. Jorginho, who is so good on the ball and energetic off it, would appear to be a perfect fit.

Napoli play some wonderful football under head coach Maurizio Sarri, and being part of that side must be a joy for players. Even so, the prospect of playing under Guardiola in what's set to be an all-conquering City team would be a huge temptation for Jorginho.