Mauro Icardi was accused of creating ‘an embarrassing situation’ this morning by refusing to talk to Napoli about their offer for the striker.

Gazzetta dello Sport explained how Maurito had gone quiet on the Partenopei after the club got in touch with him last week.

Napoli will wait until Thursday before ending their interest but have already begun talks with Fernando Llorente as a precaution.

“Their parallel strategy is more than justified given the persistent lack of movement from Icardi’s entourage,” the paper reported.

“Talks have not explicitly stopped but there is an excruciating silence which is becoming embarrassing as time passes.

“It’s a hammer blow for a fan base that was dreaming about welcoming a new hero.”

Icardi has already rejected moves to Roma and Monaco and it seems most likely he will do the same with Napoli.

The 26-year-old is widely thought to be awaiting a move to Juventus, but the Bianconeri cannot move for him until they have sold some of their own attackers.