Manchester City have £44million bid for Napoli midfielder Jorginho rejected, confirms Italian club’s chief

MANCHESTER CITY have had a £44million bid rejected for Napoli midfielder Jorginho.

The Brazilian-born Italy international has been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad during this transfer window but it seems the bid has hit a brick wall.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis told  that the club has rejected a bid from the Premier League champions.

He said: "Jorginho? I have refused an offer from Man City worth €45m plus €5m in bonuses."

Rumours circulating have suggested that the Citizens wanted to sign Jorginho before the start of the World Cup on June 14.

However Manchester City are now set for tough negotiations with De Laurentiis as he looks to start a bidding war for their prized asset.

The 26-year-old has a number of admirers with City looking to be the most determined with their early bid.

Jorginho's work-rate and ability on the pitch has allowed him to be deployed in any midfield position, his form this season has without a doubt helped progress Napoli.

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The midfielder started his career as a youth player for Verona in 2007 and three years later was loaned out to  Serie C2 side, A.C. Sambonifacese where he completed his first full senior season for the Veneto club– appearing 31 times, scoring one goal and providing ten assists.

Jorginho then joined Napoli in 2014 and over the past season has been linked to Liverpool and Chelsea.

Pep Guardiola looks to strengthen his midfield for next season by seeking a long-term replacement for Yaya Toure.

Whilst De Laurentiis will be looking to keep Jorginho on the Napoli books or set to make Manchester City pay over the odds.