Napoli's Aurelio De Laurentiis has backtracked on his earlier announcement that Rafael Benitez will be the team's new manager.

The club's president was quoted earlier today as saying that the interim Chelsea manager has penned a two-year deal with the Azzurri.

However, De Laurentiis has since told reporters: "I've closed the negotiations for the new coach, but I can't officially announce it until I get permission from the other club with which he's under contract until June 30.

"I met in the hall of my hotel here in London a group of people who I have known for many years and I told them, 'I got myself a gift', but I don't name names.

"Unfortunately, I can't say due to UEFA's rules, because I am waiting for the club who has him under contract to give us permission to announce it."

Benitez has previously managed in Serie A, taking charge of Inter Milan in 2010.

Written by
Sian Cowper