Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Swap Deal Mooted as Napoli Look to Sign Midfielder

Manchester United could do business with Napoli during this transfer window, with the Italians looking to make a possible swap deal involving their playmaker and Red Devils' midfielder.

While United are expected to make a few more signings before the transfer window shuts this summer, a few players sales are also anticipated with the top of the pile being Marouane Fellaini.

The Belgium international midfielder had a torrid time at United last season – that, of course, can be said of the bulk of the players -- after making his move from Everton, and has been tipped to leave Old Trafford, with Louis Van Gaal reportedly looking at other options in midfield.

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, currently at Napoli, is reportedly interested in bringing in the curly-haired midfielder to the Serie A with a possible loan move being mooted.

Reports also suggested Fellaini's agent had met with Napoli sporting director Riccardo Bigon over a possible switch, with the possibility of a transfer now increasing following the Italian club's latest proposal.

According to reports coming out of Italy, Benitez is proposing a swap deal with United which would see Fellaini move to Naples with his international teammate Dries Mertens switching the other way.

Mertens only signed for Napoli from PSV Eiondhoven last summer, but Benitez is reportedly ready to let go of the playmaker if he can bring in Fellaini.

It will be interesting to see just what amount of money will be involved in the move or if it will be a straight swap deal. While Napoli could use a player like Fellaini, it is debatable if United require another attacking midfielder.

Van Gaal has already said he has too many options up front in his 3-5-2 formation, and with Mertens unlikely to be uses as a wing-back, places in the attacking third will be limited.

Considering those issues, it is unlikely that Van Gaal will give his OK to the move, although the deal could be done if United offload a couple of their wingers, with the likes of Nani, Wilfried Zaha and Ashley Young all linked with moves away from Old Trafford.

It also remains to be seen if Fellaini is willing to move or if he wants to stay at Manchester United and fight for his place by convincing Van Gaal he can fit into his first-team plans.

Mertens is definitely a talented little playmaker, who can play on either wings or behind the striker and the Belgian would bring a little more pace and directness to United's play, coupled with plenty of quality.