Scott McTominay plays key role as Napoli given 'green light' to sign second Man Utd player in shock transfer

Scott McTominay could soon be joined by another Manchester United player at Napoli after an excellent start to life in Serie A.

Although Erik ten Hag was reluctant to offload him, academy product McTominay left United in the summer for a fee of £25.4 million due to the need to comply with PSR (profit and sustainability rules.

But McTominay has been in excellent form in new surroundings in Italy, with four goals and two assists for Antonio Conte's side, who are second in Serie A and two points off the top after 15 games.

The 28-year-old has Scotland colleague Billy Gilmour with him in Naples as well as his former United teammate Romelu Lukaku.

But fresh reports say Conte has given the "green light" for Napoli's board to attempt to another deal with United - this time for struggling striker Joshua Zirkzee.

Il Mattino, via Stretty News, say that Napoli are keen on the Netherlands international, who only signed for United in the summer from Serie A side Bologna.

Zirkzee spent two years in Italy before sealing a £34 million move to United and taking the No.11 shirt. However, he's scored just three goals in 21 appearances - once on his debut and two in a 4-0 win over Everton.

And a recent report from the Manchester Evening News states that he is is already viewed as a "lost cause" by the senior figures from INEOS.

Joshua Zirkzee hasn't impressed at Manchester United. Image: Getty

Zirkzee has made just four starts in the Premier League this term and Napoli are looking to capitalise on his situation and strengthen their forward line.

A loan move would appear most likely given Zirkzee signed a five-year contract worth £105,000-a-week.

Previous reports linked Zirkzee with Amorim's former club Sporting CP, while Aston Villa's name were also thrown into the hat as a potential suitor for Zirkzee.

Despite the speculation, Italian agent and intermediary Vincenzo Morabito, who is said to work on deals between clubs from the two countries, has ruled out the move.

“I can exclude a transfer of Zirkzee to Napoli in January. Players at this level hardly move when the league is underway,” he told Radio Marte, as per Sport Witness.

“The Dutchman has just arrived at United and his difficulties in tactical adaptation are normal at this stage. In Italian football, when a player isn’t used to certain game systems, it is normal that he may encounter some initial difficulties.

“As for Zirkzee, Manchester United have no intention of selling him, not even on loan. They would still have to replace him, and this would involve a further investment to replace him in the squad.”