Napoli’s hopes of signing Fabio Cannavaro looks set to be dashed after Real Madrid could offer him a new deal.

Despite Cannavaro always saying that he wants to end his career with Napoli, the World Cup winner might not be returning home to Italy after all.

That is because Real coach Bernd Schuster is under pressure from ‘old guards’ such as skipper Raul and goalkeeper Iker Casillas to keep Cannavaro in the team.

According to a Spanish newspaper, Cannavaro’s current deal will expire on June 30 next year, and come January, he is free to negotiate terms with any club.

But with Schuster given instructions to keep the veteran defender on the team, new contract talks could be initiated soon. Although Real may offer Cannavaro an extended contract, it remains uncertain whether he will put pen to paper on a new deal.