Manchester United and Chelsea warned off Napoli star

Manchester United and Chelsea's hopes of signing Napoli playmaker Marek Hamsik have been dashed by the Italian club's chairman.

The Slovakian midfielder has helped the Serie A side to second in the league, with eight goals and placed them in contention for Champions League qualification.

And that success means Aurelio De Laurentiis reportedly refused a £25m Chelsea enquiry for the 23-year-old and will hold out until his £35m valuation is met.

Speaking to Italian radio he said: "We do not intend to sell Hamsik and we are even less likely to if we reach the Champions League, it would be a disaster to see him go."

Napoli have not won a top-flight title or had European success since the late 1980s when Diego Maradona was in their side.