Mertens rejects new Napoli deal as Manchester United interest mounts

Napoli hitman Dries Mertens has refused to sign a new deal at the club according to Calcio Mercato, fuelling speculation that he will leave the club this summer.

The Belgian has been in sensational form for the Serie A side this season, particularly since moving into a centre-forward role, but it seems that he sees his future away from the San Paolo.

Manchester United are believed to have met with the 29-year old last week, with Premier League interest from elsewhere along with Inter and, predictably, China too.

Despite reportedly offering to double his salary at the club, Mertens seemingly has no interest in extending his current deal, which expires in 2018. The news is sure to trigger a real scrap for the services of one of the most prolific forwards in Europe this season.

Despite starting just 18 of 25 league appearances this season, Mertens has 19 goals to his name and remains in with a chance of claiming the Capacannoniere - Serie A’s golden boot. With a further 5 goals as Napoli fell at the round of 16 stage in the Champions League, Mertens has managed more than twice the goal tally that he has in any other season in Naples.

For all of Dries Mertens' detailed statistics visit his player page here