Southampton have agreed a deal with Napoli to sign Manolo Gabbiadini for £14.6m with a further £2.6m in performance-related bonuses. The two clubs have been discussing a potential deal for weeks, with the Serie A team turning down an offer of an initial £13.7m with £3.4m in add-ons last week.

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The 25-year-old Gabbiadini has found his opportunities limited at Napoli this season. The manager, Maurizio Sarri, first preferred Arkadiusz Milik up front and then, when the Pole sustained an injury, turned to Dries Mertens, who is not used to playing in that position.

Gabbiadini joined Napoli from Sampdoria in 2015 and has scored 15 goals in 55 league appearances for them. A left‑footed player, he has six Italy caps.

Southampton have been in need of a striker since Charlie Austin was ruled out in mid-December for three to four months with a shoulder injury. Gabbiadini is set to become the club’s third senior forward alongside Jay Rodriguez and Shane Long.