Monaco to beat Manchester United to Dries Mertens deal?

© Reuters

Monaco are reportedly preparing to offer Dries Mertens a substantial salary to join the principality outfit on a free transfer ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

The 32-year-old's contract with Napoli will expire at the end of June, meaning that, as it stands, he will be available on a free transfer this summer.

Manchester United are believed to be exploring the possibility of signing the Belgium international, who has scored 12 times and registered six assists in 29 appearances for his Italian club this season.

However, according to Onze, Monaco, who are currently ninth in Ligue 1, are now readying a contract offer for the experienced attacker.

The report claims that the Ligue 1 club are preparing to offer Mertens a £7m-a-year deal, twice as much as he is currently being paid by Gennaro Gattuso's side.

Chelsea and Arsenal have also both been credited with an interest.