Napoli star Kevin De Bruyne has been linked with a January transfer more to Everton – but could an ‘astronomical’ bid change everything for the Premier League legend?

De Bruyne is into the final year of his contract with Napoli, but while he has played every game this season, he is unsettled in Italy and could depart six months before the end of his deal.

Struggling for form, the 35-year-old playmaker has been linked with a shock move to Everton, who Calciomercato reported as having made “initial contact” with the Belgium international’s representatives to assess the possibility of a deal.

Rumours that De Bruyne is unsettled in Italy have only been fuelled by head coach Massimiliano Allegri, who said: “I told Kevin that he can extend his career in the defensive midfield position for a few more years, but he doesn't really like that idea himself.”

Such comments have fuelled expectations that De Bruyne will soon be leaving Naples, and he has emerged as a dream signing for Eredivisie side PSV, who are ready to rival Everton for the player’s signature.

AD reports that it is “clear” that the Dutch side are already in talks with him and are able to offer the veteran a convincing project in Eindhoven.

“De Bruyne is quite keen on PSV. Dutch football and the offensive vision of PSV coach Peter Bosz not only align perfectly with De Bruyne's philosophy on the sport, but it would also mean he could move back to Bolderberg (Belgium) with his family. From there, it is only a 45-minute drive to Eindhoven,” it reveals.

While PSV cannot offer Napoli a huge transfer fee, what they are willing to propose in order to get the deal done is an ‘astronomical’ salary.

Of course, this is a relative term. It is unclear whether they will be able to match the estimated €6m per year that De Bruyne earns at Napoli.

For his part, the player appears open to the move, as AD adds:

“De Bruyne certainly did not react negatively to the approach from PSV… The fact is that there is plenty of contact between the parties and that a breakthrough is being sought. It should become clear in the coming weeks whether that succeeds.”

Kevin De Bruyne's transfer status explained

The facts of the deal are starting to become established. De Bruyne is unsettled at Napoli and is in strong contact with PSV over a move to the Netherlands. There is an openness on the Belgian’s part to hold contract negotiations with the Eindhoven side.

Interest from Everton is less well established, and it seems the Premier League side will need to step it up if De Bruyne is a player they really want to sign.