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Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis says he intends to ask Sampdoria about the prospect of signing star striker Giampaolo Pazzini.

The 25-year-old has been in scintillating form so far this season, scoring six goals in Samp’s opening nine games in Serie A. It now appears that Daniele Mannini will play a crucial part in negotiations for Pazzini.

Mannini is part-owned by Napoli and Sampdoria.

He joined Samp this summer and is enjoying something of a renaissance under Luigi Del Neri.

The 26-year-old midfielder has scored five goals in eight games, the latest being an absolute peach against Bologna on Saturday.

“I am happy for Mannini. Last season he had a year that psychologically I wouldn’t wish on anybody,” De Laurentiis said.

“He has now rediscovered both mental and physical form and is doing very well. He’s a good lad, very prepared, and he only needed to rediscover certainty and security.

“Samp are playing great. He is still 50 per cent owned by Napoli. If Marotta wants Mannini then I’ll ask him for Pazzini,” De Laurentiis revealed.

The movie mogul then denied rumours linking Marek Hamsik with an £18m move to Chelsea, as reported yesterday in the Sunday Times.

“There has never been any offer and he will stay with Napoli at least until Chelsea make us one of those offer to which you can’t say no.

“We don’t need to sell,” De Laurentiis concluded.

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