Javier Pastore is unlikely to ply his trade in Serie A next season, according to Palermo's president.
Palermo chief expects Argentinian to leave Serie A
Highly-rated playmaker Javier Pastore is unlikely to ply his trade in Serie A next season, according to Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini.
Argentina international Pastore, who is expected to leave Palermo this summer, revealed earlier this week that he would prefer to remain in Italy rather than make a foreign move.
The 22-year-old, valued at €50million (£45m) by Zamparini, is one of the most sought-after players in this summer's transfer market, with Chelsea and Manchester City among those reportedly chasing his signature.
AC Milan and local rivals Inter have also been linked with the midfielder but Zamparini insists the duo have not been in contact, and has all but ruled out the youngster staying in the Italian top-flight.
No contact
The club chief told
Gazzetta dello Sport: "I can assure everyone that I have not been contacted by AC Milan or Inter Milan despite what has been reported.
"The only president of an Italian club that asked me for Pastore was (Napoli president Aurelio) De Laurentiis.
"We had a chat. But Italian clubs cannot afford the price we are requesting for Pastore.
"I have tried to keep him at Palermo but he and his agent want to find another club in order for the player to make a leap in quality."
Pastore, who is currently competing at the Copa America, is under contract with Palermo until June 2015.
The South American star joined the club in 2009 from Huracan for €19million (£16.6m) and was the team's leading scorer in Serie A last season with 11 goals.
