Manchester United, Chelsea receive boost in signing Serie A striker

Manchester United and Chelsea could reportedly compete for the services of Napoli forward Dries Mertens when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

The Belgian was fancied to join the Blues during the closing stages of the January transfer window but he snubbed their advances in order to stay put for the remaining six months of his Napoli contract.

According to The Mail, Napoli have made no progress in terms of signing a renewal with the 32-year-old and he is expected to leave the club on a free transfer this summer.

The same publication cites that the Blues are likely to propose a contract offer for the marksman but they will face competition from the Red Devils, who are said to want a versatile forward with experience.

Mertens is currently three goals shy of becoming the all-time leading goalscorer at Napoli. He was sidelined during the month of January with an adductor problem but has recently returned to contribute a goal and an assist.