City linked with Sicilian star

Sven to consider Brazilian striker

By Graeme Bailey & Nadia Carminati   Last updated: 18th October 2007

Carvalho de Oliveira Amauri

Amauri: Wanted man

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Palermo's Amauri has been linked with Manchester City, although the Sicilian club are far from keen to see their star striker leave.

The 27-year-old Brazilian , who has played in Europe all of his career and in Italy since 2001, is currently one of the most highly-rated frontmen in Serie A.

Roma

Roma have been closely linked with the player and his agent Mariano Grimaldi insisted earlier this week that talks between the two clubs had taken place.

"I know directly the two sides are talking," Grimaldi said.

"I hope that a deal is done as it would be a proud day for me and my client if he joined Roma.

"Amauri can play first or second striker and he has a great relationship with Francesco Totti as they met during a spell at an injury clinic."

However, president Maurizio Zamparini gave the suggestion short shrift.

"There have been no discussions between Palermo and Roma," he said.

"The agent, as all agents, has only one problem; he talks too much. What he says is fantasy, Amauri is fundamental to Palermo's future."

City option

City have been linked as they also continue to look at Australian midfielder Mark Bresciano - who they nearly signed in the summer.

Sven Goran Eriksson still wants Bresciano, but Amauri is also now believed to be high on his list of targets.

Indeed City could have a trump card with unsettled front-man Rolando Bianchi a possible option for Palermo - which could give Eriksson the leverage to land both players, with finances also not really an issue for the Premier League club following Thaksin Shinawatra's summer takeover.

One issue of Amauri is that he would not currently qualify for a work permit to play in England - but he has applied for Italian citizenship which would negate the need for any permit.

Indeed Amauri, who has never represented Brazil, is set to reject their overtures of his homeland and pledge his international future to Italy - once he gains his passport.