‘Napoli becoming a likely option for Scotland & Man Utd’s Scott McTominay’

How big an impact could Scott McTominay’s summer have on Scotland?

Quite a significant one is the view of The Scotsman’s sports editor Mark Atkinson, who wants the Manchester United midfielder to be “in the best shape possible” for the national team.

That view will be shared by head coach Steve Clarke and many of the Tartan Army as the 27-year-old continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

While Atkinson would keen for McTominay to remain at United and fight for his place after scoring 10 goals for Erik ten Hag’s side last term, Mark Critchley of The Athletic feels Napoli is becoming “one of the more likely options” for the Scot.

Speaking on the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast, Critchley says talks are progressing on a deal that could see McTominay move to Italy along with Scotland team-mate Billy Gilmour, the Brighton midfielder who has also been linked with a switch to Naples.

“I would imagine McTominay would prefer to stay in England, if I’m totally honest,” Critchley adds.

“He’s quite a name here and he’s coming off the back of probably his most impressive individual season.

“But if the options are that he has to try something new and move somewhere where he could be more of a regular and have more of an influence on things, then Napoli is looking like one of the more likely options.”