Napoli rival Chelsea for Nikola Maksimovic

Italian giants Napoli are set to battle it out with Chelsea for the services of Torino defender Nikola Maksimovic. The centre-back is desperate to leave the Turin side this summer.

The 24-year-old was recently reprimanded by the club's hierarchy after he demanded a potential exit.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Napoli are lining up a bid for the Serbian international, who is also on the radar of Chelsea.

Blues boss Antonio Conte has kept an eye on Maksimovic since his time at Juventus, and he is considered as a possible option to fill the void in the heart of the defence.

Kurt Zouma is currently on a recovery path from a knee injury, and this John Terry and Gary Cahill as the only experienced centre-backs whilst Branislav Ivanovic could fill in when needed.

Meanwhile, Napoli are in better position financially with the £75.3m sum received from Gonzalo Higuain's sale likely to put them in the front seat for the player.

Maksimovic has racked 76 appearances for Torino in all competitions.