Brighton's Julio Enciso a target for Napoli

Napoli have shown interest in signing Brighton teenager Julio Enciso, Telegraph Sport understands.

‌Enciso only joined Brighton last summer but he has already caught the eye of a number of European clubs after his impressive first campaign in the Premier League.

‌The 19-year-old struck four goals in 20 league appearances last year and won the Goal of the Season award for his sensational long-range strike against Manchester City in May.

‌Telegraph Sport understands that Enciso is unlikely to leave the south coast so soon after arriving in English football but that Napoli have tentatively explored the possibility of making a move.

‌It remains to be seen whether their interest turns into a formal offer, especially given Brighton’s reputation for demanding significant transfer fees to sell their talented youngsters.

‌Enciso, who had been tracked by City before moving to England, is in no rush to leave Brighton, who have a strong track record for developing young players.

‌Brighton paid £9.5 million to sign Enciso from Paraguayan club Libertad Asuncion last year, after he had scored 11 goals in 14 league appearances in the previous months.

‌He has already made 11 appearances for the Paraguay national team and is widely regarded as one of the game’s most exciting young forwards.

‌Speaking after Enciso’s award-winning goal against City last season, Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi said: “Julio has big, big potential. I want him to play better, I want him to play for the team and I think he can improve. If he stays with us I think for sure, he can improve.”

Enciso is expected to see plenty of action for Brighton this season as they prepare to play in European competition for the first time in their history. Enciso is competing with the likes of Danny Welbeck, Evan Ferguson, Kaoru Mitoma and new signing Joao Pedro for a place in De Zerbi’s side.