Napoli deny holding talks with Rafael Benitez

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has rejected reports that the club are closing in on a deal to bring Rafael Benitez back to Serie A.

The Spanish coach has been touted as the Italian club's possible new manager following his interim stint as Chelsea boss.

It had been suggested that De Laurentiis, who is also a film producer, flew to London with sporting director Riccardo Bigon and administrator Andrea Chiavellito to hold talks with the ex-Liverpool manager.

"I did not go to London for Benitez, you would have me take 15 coaches - it's true, I heard about them all in the last six months," De Laurentiis told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Benitez is looking for pastures new after guiding the Blues to a top-four spot in the Premier League and victory in the Europa League final.