Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has provided a definitive update on Scott McTominay's future, confirming the Scotland midfielder's desire to remain at the club despite strong links to Real Madrid. Manna revealed that formal talks are already underway to extend the 29-year-old's contract, which is currently set to expire in 2028, with the club actively crafting a long-term solution.

These include being instrumental in the club's Serie A title triumph and being named the league's Most Valuable Player. The director emphasised that the will for McTominay to stay is mutual, shared by both the player and the club's leadership. Retaining such a key player is a priority for Napoli's squad planning as they look to build on their recent success and climb the standings.

Recent return from surgery

McTominay has only recently returned to the pitch after undergoing a successful procedure to correct a benign cardiac arrhythmia. His first start in 45 days came in Napoli's Champions League group stage defeat away to Villarreal, where he played for an hour before being substituted. His emotional return to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona was marked by a sustained ovation from the home supporters, a sign of his iconic status in the city where his image features in several large murals.

Interest from Madrid and Scotland context

Despite concrete interest from Real Madrid, a club now managed by his former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, the clear priority is for McTominay to continue his career in Naples. The midfielder remains a central figure for the Scottish national team, although he was forced to miss their recent Nations League matches due to his surgery. His Napoli teammate Billy Gilmour featured in those games, providing an assist in a 2-0 win over FYR Macedonia. Scotland's recent fixtures have yielded inconsistent form, with one win, one draw, and two losses in their last four outings, including a 2-1 defeat to Slovenia in early October. The team will hope for McTominay's full availability for their next competitive match, a home game against FYR Macedonia on 13 November. Napoli are keen to finalise his new contract before their own key run of matches, determined to secure the future of a player whose stats and influence are considered irreplaceable.

Read the full report at The Scotsman Football