Mertens is the third highest scorer in Serie A this season, helping his side top the table (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United are keeping tabs on Napoli star Dries Mertens according to the Italian club’s former director, who confirmed his £25 million release clause.

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Despite only signing a new contract in May, Mertens continues to be linked with a move to a bigger club off the back of a stunning campaign last season, in which he scored 28 goals.

Having been moved into a more advanced role, he enjoyed the most productive campaign of his career to date by far, and has continued in much the same vein this season.

Only Paulo Dybala and Ciro Immobile have scored more Serie A goals than Mertens (Picture: Getty)

Despite turning 30 in May, the Belgian attracted plenty of interest over the summer, with United and Chelsea both linked even though Napoli were expected to demand a massive fee.




But now the club’s former director Pierpaolo Marino appears to have confirmed the existence of a €28m (£25m) release clause – and, more importantly, United’s interest.

Mertens and United striker Romelu Lukaku have played together for years with Belgium (Getty)

‘The €28m clause is likely to be a low price even if he is 30,’ Marino told Italian newspaper Tuttosport. ‘It turns out that United are following him very closely.’

Mertens already has a good relationship with several of United’s players, lining up alongside summer signing Romelu Lukaku for Belgium.

He has made a stunning start to the new Serie A season, helping Napoli to top the table with a 100 per cent record thanks to his seven goals and two assists – a key contribution every 60 minutes.

Mertens revealed over the summer that Chelsea had tried to sign him, though he opted to remain in Italy to try and win the Serie A title.

‘Yes there was interest [from Chelsea], and from other clubs also,’ he said. ‘But in my head there was never an intention to change clubs. This season was really good. I am gong to try and be even better next year.’

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