Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has expressed interest in Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi.

The patron has taken this club from Serie C to Champions League football, but the only major reinforcements this summer have been Gokhan Inler and Miguel Angel Britos.

"Although Walter Mazzarri wants a small squad, I did call Rossi and Villarreal a while back," confirmed De Laurentiis.

"We got to know each other on the phone. He was born in America and doesn't know Naples well, so I explained to him what it means to play for Napoli. He didn't say no.

"That was a month ago and he hasn't called me back, but I will call him now. I also proposed a transfer in January. Rossi is a nice boy and said he was honoured by this interest.

"I am ready to go back on the charge for this player."