The agent of Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne says the new contract tabled is for half of what he is currently on.

The midfielder is off contract in June and is being linked with Newcastle United.

Agent Vincenzo Pisacane told Il Romanista: "I hear far too many journalists say that Lorenzo turned down generous offers from Napoli and that Aurelio De Laurentiis (Napoli president) Offered him the maximum he could.

"My relationship with De Laurentiis is excellent, but I have to clarify that the contract offer comes with a salary reduction of 50 per cent. I'm an agent and I have to protect the captain at all times.

"Usually you offer more money when you want to extend a contract. Just look at the treatment of other players who extended before Lorenzo."