Manchester City Transfer News: Napoli Say They've Rejected £44M Jorginho Bid

Manchester City have had a bid of £44 million for midfielder Jorginho rejected by Napoli, according to the Italian club's president, Aurelio De Laurentiis.

"I've refused €45 million plus a €5 million bonus from City for Jorginho," De Laurentiis told Corriere dello Sport (h/t Sky Sports News).

Jorginho's agent, Joao Santos, has previously said the midfielder will move to the Etihad Stadium if the two clubs can agree a deal, per Sky Sports News.

However, it appears City may have to up their bid if they are to land the 26-year-old this summer.

Goal's Sam Lee said Jorginho is one of several targets for the Premier League champions:

The Napoli man starred for the Serie A side last season as they finished runners-up in the league behind winners Juventus.

Squawka Football highlighted his contribution to the cause:

Jorginho would add strength to the City midfield following the departure of Yaya Toure and with Fernandinho having turned 33 in May.

Football writer David Amoyal explained why manager Pep Guardiola is so impressed by Jorginho:

However, Napoli will not want to let one of their most important players leave without a fight. The club has just replaced manager Maurizio Sarri with Carlo Ancelotti, which could have an impact on Jorginho's future.

Santos has said he needs to find out whether "Ancelotti wants [Jorginho] or not," per Radio Kiss Kiss (h/t Jonathan Smith at ESPN FC).

Manchester City could also face a bidding war for Jorginho if Sarri replaces Antonio Conte as Chelsea manager. The former Napoli manager is "known to be interested in taking over at Chelsea," per The Independent's Ed Malyon.

Jorginho is on international duty with Italy. The Azzurri failed to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2018 but played France on Friday and face the Netherlands on Monday.

Manchester City still looks to be the most likely destination should Jorginho leave Napoli this summer. However, there appears to be work to do to get the deal over the line.