Napoli have decided against signing on-loan star Tanguy Ndombele on a permanent deal, according to Nicolo Schira.

The 26-year-old has impressed for the Italian champions-in-waiting this term, but they aren’t keen on paying the $35 million released clause in the midfielder’s contract.

Napoli not pursuing Ndombele transfer

Ndombele has impressed for the Italian league leaders throughout this season, but it is believed that his transfer fee is too high for Napoli. The 26-year-old has played 28 games in Serie A this term since joining on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Frenchman remains under contract with Spurs, but a return to the first-team in North London appears unlikely. Since signing for the Premier League giants, Ndombele has been loaned out on two occasions. He played the second half of the 2021-22 with former club Lyon, but made just eleven appearances.

Spurs signed the midfielder in 2019 for a club-record fee of $64 million. But, he struggled for regular game time under both Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.