Reds target offered new contract

Both Chelsea and Liverpool are said to be interested in signing Argentina international Higuain.

Napoli say they won't sell unless a suitor meets their frontman's £74million (€94m) release clause, although reports claim he could be available for less.

Last week the 28-year-old said he would resolve his future after playing in the Copa America.

But Italian outlet Rai Sport claim that De Laurentiis has sanctioned the offer of a new £100,000-a-week contract for Higuain in an attempt to heel him in Naples.

According to reports, outlined in Football Italian, the deal would extend his current terms by one year until 2019 and significantly reduce his release clause to £55.5m (€70m).

And De Laurentiis told Rai Sport he is aware of interest in the striker and that his future will soon be resolved.

"Gonzalo is so serious that for the respect of the fans, (manager Maurizio) Sarri and also the club he will immediately clarify his intentions, without even waiting for the end of transfer market," De Laurentiis said.

Liverpool emerged as suitors of Higuain last week with TV channel BeIn Sports claiming a deal was in the pipeline.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is thought to be eyeing forward recruits and he was even reportedly spotted with Higuain's brother and agent watching Argentina at the Copa America.

But Chelsea remain in the running to sign Higuain as a possible replacement for Diego Costa if the Spain international is sold to Atletico Madrid this summer.

Express Sport understands incoming Blues manager Antonio Conte has already discussed transfer options with his new bosses, with Higuain and Everton's Romelu Lukaku candidates to succeed Costa.

Source: Daily Express

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