Hamsik tipped to stay in Naples

Marek Hamsik’s agent says the star midfielder will not become the latest high-profile departure from Serie A club Napoli.

Hamsik, 25, has been tipped to follow Ezequiel Lavezzi out the door at Stadio San Paolo, after the Argentine forward swapped Napoli for Paris Saint-Germain.

Key defensive midfielder Walter Gargano has also left the club, joining Inter Milan on a season loan.

Reports have linked Slovakia international Hamsik with English Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester City, but his representative Juraj Venglos has played down the speculation.

“Hamsik is excited to play for Napoli and be a talisman of the group,” Venglos told Radio Crc.

“For several years, Marek has been here and he is happy because he has gained a lot of experience.

“This year, Napoli are stronger, the club have bought reinforcements since the departure of Lavezzi and Gargano.

“They will fight for the Scudetto this year.”

Hamsik was on the scoresheet, along with Christian Maggio and Edinson Cavani, as Napoli kicked off their Serie A campaign with a convincing 3-0 win away to Palermo on Sunday.