Marek Hamsik transfer: Napoli star's move to China delayed over 'payment methods'

Carlo Ancelotti confirmed last week that the 31-year-old was in talks to leave the club after 12 seasons

Marek Hamsik's proposed move to China has been delayed due to problems relating to "payment methods" for the transfer, Napoli have announced.

Napoli did not name the club or say how long the move would be held up for, although they still have time to complete a deal with the transfer window in China open until February 28.

"The club has decided to delay Marek Hamsik's move to China because the payment methods proposed for the agreed sum fail to adhere to what was previously agreed," Napoli said in a brief statement.

Carlo Ancelotti confirmed last week that the 31-year-old, who joined Napoli from Slovan Bratislava, was in talks to leave the club after 12 seasons. Suggestions are the club in question is Dalian Yifang.

The Slovakian became the club's all-time leading scorer in December 2017 when he overtook Diego Maradona's mark of 115 goals and he overhauled Giuseppe Bruscolotti's total of 511 appearances in November.

Hamsik, who has 121 goals for Napoli in all competitions, made his 520th appearance for the club in Saturday's 3-0 win over Sampdoria.

Reuters