Scott McTominay’s transfer to Napoli was extremely close to not happening as club had ‘medical booked’ for another midfielder

Scott McTominay is already well on the way to becoming a legend in Naples.

McTominay is at the center of Napoli’s title challenge, and they are on track to win the Scudetto.

With 11 goals in Serie A, the former Manchester United midfielder has spent the season leading his new club forward from midfield and is only one goal behind Romelu Lukaku, the top scorer for Napoli.

In one of the world’s most passionate football cities, McTominay and his partner Cam Reading are said to have taken to the city and to feel the same way.

It’s the stuff of dreams to be a hero in Naples, but that, along with the 28-year-old Lancastrian’s potential first league title, came very close to not occurring.

At first, Napoli’s focus was elsewhere.

“It was a mutual decision to leave, for a fee of £25.7m. McTominay wanted a change of scenery, and the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) meant the deal made sense to United,” writes Emlyn Begley for BBC Sport.

“But the move nearly did not happen. Another midfielder Marco Brescianini was having a medical at Napoli and seemed set to join from Frosinone.

“But suddenly the Italy international completed a loan move to Atalanta, with an obligation to buy, and Napoli signed McTominay instead.

“Reports vary on how it all unfolded. Some say Brescianini opted for Atalanta, or Napoli pulled out once McTominay became available, while others say Frosinone tried to change the deal.”

Now, Antonio Conte and Napoli won’t give a damn. They couldn’t have hoped for much more for their investment, and McTominay has proven to be an outstanding addition.

Although 25-year-old Brescianini has only started seven Serie A games for Atalanta this season, he already has two senior international caps for Italy and scored twice on his debut.

In January, he scored in a 5-0 league phase victory over Sturm Graz, but he has also been utilized sparingly in the Champions League.

Scotland international McTominay will be hoping to have a significant influence on the Champions League for the Partonopei next season after playing 22 games for the Red Devils.

On Sunday, Napoli will play Genoa at home as they continue their pursuit of the Scudetto.

Second-placed Inter Milan visit Torino in the earlier Sunday evening kick-off.