Zamparini hints at Napoli move for Franco Vazquez

Palermo owner Maurizio Zamparini is an often outspoken but infrequently sensible man, prone to fits of pique that usually end in him firing a manager or three. He suffered such a fit on Tuesday, giving an interview in which he simultaneously criticized Beppe Iachini and begged him to stay, called his players "losers" -- and dropped a fascinating transfer hint that Napoli fans took immediate note of.

The rosanero are widely expected to sell attacking midfielder Franco Vazquez this summer, and some are surprised they haven't already. Napoli have been linked to the Argentina-born Italy international off and on for the last couple of years, but with Zamparini seemingly dead set on cashing in on his team's biggest asset this summer, rumors are starting to heat up around him in a big way, and Crazy Uncle Zamp is doing nothing but fan the flames.

I was hoping [President Aurelio] De Laurentiis would ask me for Vazquez, but he’s actually already asked me, as have others.

He’s the best trequartista in Europe right now, I hope he’ll go to Napoli and not Milan or Juventus.

-Translated quote source: Football Italia

Is Vazquez the best trequartista in Europe? No, probably not. But the 27 year old is a good attacker, and versatile enough that the fact that Napoli haven't used a trequartista much this season shouldn't bother anyone. He'd be a valuable asset for Napoli if the price is right -- though Zamparini did suggest that ADL shouldn't "scrimp" on a transfer fee, which is hilarious since by now we know that De Laurentiis doesn't spend one euro more on a player than he thinks he's worth.

Of course, Napoli play Palermo this weekend, so it's entirely possible that Zamparini is blowing smoke related to that match to try to drum up interest. In fact, that's likely enough to be the probable scenario. But it's fun to think about and consider, and what's the point of transfer rumors if they're not fun, right?