Southampton to battle Napoli over Man City's £9m Jack Rodwell

Southampton and Napoli are set for a £9million transfer scrap over Manchester City outcast Jack Rodwell.

SAINT JACK: Rodwell is wanted by Southampton and Napoli

Napoli boss Rafa Benitez has been tracking the England international, 23, all summer and is expected to cement that interest with an initial £8m offer.

The Italians finished third in Serie A last season and Benitez believes signing Rodwell – surplus to requirements at The Etihad – would take them closer to a serious title challenge.

But if the ex-Liverpool boss is in pole position to land the former Everton midfielder, he now faces competition from Saints coach Ronald Koeman.

The Dutchman, having lost FIVE senior stars since taking charge at St Mary’s, is desperate to bring in quality replacements and quickly.

And Koeman, who wants to play a possession game on the south coast, reckons talented Rodwell fits the bill perfectly.

The Saints, of course, will have no problem matching any Napoli offer after raising £90m through their huge summer sale.

Rodwell, also wanted by West Brom, is believed to be tempted by Napoli – and the opportunity to broaden his horizons abroad.

However, having seen his career go backwards since a £12m switch to City two years ago, he may regard Southampton the safer option at this stage of his career.