Napoli eye Cruzeiro defender Mayke

Napoli are considering a move to sign Cruzeiro defender Mayke, according to media reports.

The 22-year-old is seen by Napoli manager Rafael Benitez as a possible replacement for 33-year-old full-back Christian Maggio, whose future at the Italian club is unclear.

"Signing Mayke as a replacement would give Napoli a potential long-term alternative to the former Italy international," Brazilian football news portal Sambafoot reported.

Mayke has made 89 first-team appearances since making his debut for Cruzeiro in 2012.

He has been a constant presence at right-back in Cruzeiro's consecutive Brazilian Serie A titles in the past two seasons.

But the move is yet to have the backing of Cruzeiro manager Marcelo Oliveira, who could be loath to lose another player following the off-season departures of Ricardo Goulart (Guangzhou Evergrande), Everton Ribeiro (Al Ahli Dubai) and Lucas Silva (Real Madrid).

The Brazilian Serie A season starts on May 9.
Source: XINHUA