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Despite persistent rumors linking Manchester United with a move for Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret, sources close to the club have confirmed that the Red Devils have no intention of pursuing the Italian shot-stopper. Meret, a 27-year-old Italian international, appears set to extend his contract with the Serie A side rather than making a move to the Premier League.

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The goalkeeper has been a pivotal figure for Napoli since the 2022/23 season, establishing himself as the undisputed number one and making over 190 official appearances for the club. His consistent performances between the sticks have attracted interest from several top European clubs. However, the Red Devils are no longer among the contenders, despite initial speculation.

Despite persistent rumors linking Manchester United with a move for highly-rated Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret, sources close to the club have confirmed that the Red Devils have no intention of pursuing the Italian shot-stopper. Meret, a 27-year-old Italian international, appears set to extend his contract with the Serie A side rather than making a move to the Premier League.

The Italian goalkeeper has been instrumental in Napoli's recent success, delivering consistently impressive performances and cementing his place as one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A. His commanding presence between the sticks and his ability to make crucial saves have attracted interest from several top European clubs. However, despite the speculation, Manchester United have decided against making a move for the Napoli custodian.

Meret Set to Extend Napoli Stay

With his contract at Napoli set to expire in the coming months, Meret has been in negotiations with the club regarding a new deal. It appears that these talks have progressed positively, with the Italian goalkeeper poised to extend his stay at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. This development will come as a blow to those hoping to see Meret make a move to the Premier League, but it is a testament to both the player's commitment to Napoli and the club's determination to retain their star goalkeeper.

Why Manchester United Decided Against a Move

There are several reasons why Manchester United may have decided against pursuing Meret. Firstly, the club already has a capable goalkeeper in David de Gea, who has been the club's number one for several years. While there have been question marks over De Gea's distribution in recent seasons, his shot-stopping ability remains world-class. Additionally, the high cost of acquiring Meret, particularly given his contract situation, may have been a deterrent for the Red Devils.

Furthermore, Manchester United may have other priorities in the transfer market. With the club looking to strengthen their squad in several areas, they may have decided to allocate their resources to other positions.

What's Next for Meret and Manchester United?

With Meret set to stay at Napoli, the Italian goalkeeper will continue to be a key figure for the Serie A side. As for Manchester United, they will continue to monitor the transfer market for potential targets in other positions. While the club may have missed out on the opportunity to sign Meret, there are plenty of other talented goalkeepers available who could be suitable options for the future.

In conclusion, Manchester United's decision to rule out a move for Alex Meret brings an end to speculation linking the Italian goalkeeper with a move to the Premier League. While Meret's performances have been impressive, the Red Devils have decided to focus their efforts elsewhere.