While the rumours continue to do the rounds about Stefano Pioli’s future at AC Milan, a report has claimed that he is already being lined up by a club who want him for next season.

According to what is being reported by the Naples-based paper Il Mattino (via TMW), it is Napoli who have identified Pioli as the right man to open a new era as they continue to search for a permanent solution to their head coaching vacancy.

The first choice was Antonio Conte but this hypothesis is looking more and more unlikely because the former Inter and Juventus boss has not yet responded to their offer, suggesting that he is waiting for more attractive roles.

Gian Piero Gasperini of Atalanta was also on their list of possible options, but he seems to want to keep going at Atalanta. This, Pioli is now their number one priority, with most reliable sources claiming his sacking is a certainty.

The report adds that Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis is waiting to make sure he will definitely leave Milan before putting forward a contract offer to the 2021-22 Scudetto winner, and they hope signs will come in the next few weeks.

The Azzurri do have a deal ready for Pioli though: it is worth €3m net per season and would run until 2026, but an agreement must be reached between the manager and Milan regarding his termination.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late
Connor McDavid, Oilers hammer Canucks to force Game 7
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch
Seize the Grey wins in muddy Preakness
Even Mike Budenholzer admits the Suns need a point guard
Watch: Juan Soto's first multi-homer game as a Yankee
Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa lead at PGA Championship
Knicks could get major boost for Game 7 showdown with Pacers
Giants All-Star pitcher suffers setback in recovery from injury
Panthers star named winner of 2024 Selke Trophy
WNBA to investigate $100,000 sponsorship deals for Aces players
Tiger Woods blames one big factor for missing the cut at PGA Championship
'Ain't good enough': Draymond Green claims Celtics must 'win it all' or it's a 'failure'
Blue Jays GM wants struggling club to feel 'massive sense of urgency'
Raptors expected to flip former NBA champion during the offseason
MLB insider reveals Mets' massive extension offer that Pete Alonso turned down
Celtics legend provides update after gruesome finger injury
Bulls hire former NBA head coach as top assistant
Chiefs move on from young running back
20-year MLB veteran working out, unsure about playing future