Villarreal negotiating arrival of Napoli centre-back with Real Madrid links | OneFootball

After a successful season on loan at Alaves last year, Real Madrid decided to cash in on centre-back Rafa Marin, selling him to Napoli for €10m. Just two appearances under Antonio Conte have led him to look for an early exit from Naples though.

Los Blancos retain a 50% sell-on fee for Marin, but it looks as if he will be leaving Napoli on loan this January, as they still have hope that he can be useful to them down the line. Como have made a move for Marin, but Marca say that Villarreal are now in pole position to sign him until the end of the season.

Marin has given the green light for the deal, and that talks are at an advanced stage. Napoli’s priority is that the 22-year-old gains experience at the highest level possible, with the Yellow Submarine promising him an important role in the team.

Last season Marin showed just how solid he can be in Luis Garcia Plaza’s overachieving Alaves, and was passable on the ball too. He was brought in by Napoli Sporting Director Giovanna Manna, but clearly is yet to convince Conte of his virtues. With the joint second-worst defensive record in La Liga, Marcelino Garcia Toral will no doubt be pleased with reinforcements.