Manchester United have been linked with a possible move to bring Scott McTominay back to Old Trafford in 2027 as negotiations over a new Napoli contract remain stalled.
McTominay has transformed his reputation since leaving United for Napoli in August 2024, helping the Italian club win Serie A during his first season.
However, reports in Italy suggest a disagreement over the length and value of a proposed extension could result in the Scotland midfielder leaving Naples next summer.
Napoli unwilling to meet reported demands
McTominay’s current contract runs until June 2028, but Napoli have been attempting to secure his future beyond that date.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, the 29-year-old’s representatives want an extension until 2030 and an annual salary of between €8million and €9million.
Napoli reportedly consider those demands excessive for a player who will turn 30 in December.
Both sides are said to be interested in continuing their relationship, but an agreement is currently considered unlikely unless a compromise can be reached.
A sale in the summer of 2027 would allow Napoli to receive a transfer fee before McTominay enters the final year of his contract.
Italian reports estimate that the midfielder could be valued at between €25million and €30million roughly £22million to £26million.
That is not an official price set by Napoli, however, and his importance to the team could lead the club to demand more.
Manchester United and Aston Villa linked
Tuttomercatoweb claims Manchester United and Aston Villa sought information about McTominay’s availability during the recent summer transfer window.
Both clubs could reportedly return next year if Napoli decide to sell, while Real Madrid have also been mentioned as a possible destination.
There is no confirmation that United have opened negotiations or made McTominay a formal transfer target.
The midfielder came through United’s academy and made 255 senior appearances before leaving for Napoli in a deal worth around €30million.
He quickly established himself as one of Serie A’s most influential midfielders, helping Napoli win the league title and earning the competition’s Most Valuable Player award in his debut season.
McTominay has registered a reported 37 goals and assists in 82 appearances for Napoli, strengthening his reputation as a midfielder capable of making a decisive contribution in the penalty area.
A return to Old Trafford at close to the amount United received for him would attract intense scrutiny, particularly after his success in Italy.
(Photo by Conor Molloy/News Images via DepositPhotos.com)
McTominay recovering after heart procedure
McTominay is currently working towards his return after undergoing a successful cardiac ablation procedure in Manchester on September 8.
Napoli said the planned operation was performed to correct a mild, benign arrhythmia and was completely successful.
He has since returned to the Napoli training centre, completing personalised sessions in the gym and on the pitch.
The Scotland international is due to undergo further medical examinations before receiving clearance to resume full training with his team-mates.
For now, McTominay remains committed to Napoli and under contract until 2028. A move back to Manchester United is possible only if his contract talks remain unresolved and United turn their reported interest into a firm offer.
