Napoli issue statement denying in talks for Manchester United target Paulo Dybala

Serie A giants Napoli have released a statement insisting they are not interested in signing Manchester United target Paulo Dybala from Palermo.

Dybala has already been the subject of a bid from Old Trafford with Chelsea, Juventus and Paris Saint Germain also having contacted Palmero over their Argentine starlet, according to club president Maurizio Zamparini.

Napoli were also understood to have joined the race for his signature, with reports in the Italian press suggesting Napoli's sporting director Riccardo Bigon has met with the player's agent.

But in a move that will boost United's hope of winning the race for the player's signature in the summer, Napoli have denied talks over a summer move, describing the reports as "baseless".

"With regard to some press reports, which have claimed that there has been a meeting Palermo in recent days between Napoli sporting director Riccardo Bigon and representatives of the player Dybala, Napoli announces that this news is baseless," a statement released via the club's official website read.

Palermo had previously been hopeful of Dybala signing a new contract with the club – a move they hoped would place them in a stronger position when it comes to commanding a fee for the forward in the summer.

However, last week Zamparini revealed his relationship with the Argentine had broken down and that the player had been "corrupted by bad advice", ending talks over a new deal.

While both United and Chelsea have had their interest in Dybala confirmed, the player himself recently admitted it is a dream of his to play for either Manchester City or Barcelona.

Dybala, who has netted 11 Serie A goals in 21 appearances this season, could cost as much as €40m (£31m) in the summer but hopes such a lofty figure doesn't deter his suitors.

"I honestly think it's an exaggeration," he recently admitted. "I still have a lot to prove, I try not to think too much about these labels and concentrate solely on my performance on the pitch."