Spanish club Villarreal will reportedly attempt to pinch Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Julio Cesar from under the noses of Napoli.

The Brazilian number one is almost certain to leave Loftus Road this summer following the Hoops' relegation from the Premier League.

Arsenal were the favourites to capture the former Inter Milan shot-stopper, but their hesitation in making an offer has allowed Rafael Benitez's Napoli to move into pole position for his signature.

A deal is reportedly close to being finalised, but talkSPORT reports that Villarreal president Fernando Roig has made contact with QPR and hope to persuade the 33-year-old to try a new challenge in La Liga rather than return to Serie A.

Cesar has been capped 74 times by Brazil and was their first choice during their victorious Confederations Cup campaign last month.