Scott McTominay's transfer to Napoli was extremely close to not happening as club had 'medical booked' for another midfielder

Scott McTominay is already well on the way to becoming a legend in Naples.

Napoli are on course to win the Scudetto and McTominay is right at the heart of their title challenge.

The former Manchester United midfielder has spent the season driving his new team forward from midfield and he's scored 11 times in Serie A, just one fewer than Napoli's top scorer Romelu Lukaku.

McTominay and girlfriend Cam Reading are believed to have taken to the city and the feeling is mutual in one of the most feverish football cities on the planet.

Being a beloved hero in Naples is the stuff of dreams but that and a possible first league championship for the 28-year-old Lancastrian was extremely close to not happening.

Napoli's attention was originally elsewhere.

"It was a mutual decision to leave, for a fee of £25.7m. McTominay wanted a change of scenery, and the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) meant the deal made sense to United," writes Emlyn Begley for BBC Sport.

"But the move nearly did not happen. Another midfielder Marco Brescianini was having a medical at Napoli and seemed set to join from Frosinone.

"But suddenly the Italy international completed a loan move to Atalanta, with an obligation to buy, and Napoli signed McTominay instead.

"Reports vary on how it all unfolded. Some say Brescianini opted for Atalanta, or Napoli pulled out once McTominay became available, while others say Frosinone tried to change the deal."

Napoli and Antonio Conte won't care now. McTominay has proved an exceptional signing and they really couldn't have asked for much more for their outlay.

Scott McTominay's Napoli move nearly didn't happen (Image: Napoli)

25-year-old Brescianini scored twice on his debut but has started just seven Serie A matches for Atalanta this season but now has two senior international caps for Italy to his name.

He's been used sparingly in the Champions League too, scoring in a 5-0 league phase win over Sturm Graz in January.

Scotland international McTominay played 22 Champions League matches for the Red Devils and will be looking to make a big impact in the competition for the Partonopei next season.

Napoli continue their Scudetto hunt with a home fixture against Genoa on Sunday.

Second-placed Inter Milan visit Torino in the earlier Sunday evening kick-off.