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Kostas Manolas not for sale, Roma coach Luciano Spalletti warns European elite

Roma are determined to keep Kostas Manolas
Image: Roma are determined to keep Kostas Manolas

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has warned a trio of Premier League clubs that defender Kostas Manolas is not for sale.

The 25-year-old Greece international is a target for some of the "best clubs in Europe" but specifically Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, according to the player's agent.

But Spalletti, speaking ahead of Roma's first full training session in Boston on Sunday, said the 25-year-old was happy in the Italian capital and would not be moving.

AS Roma coach Luciano Spalletti
Image: AS Roma coach Luciano Spalletti

"Manolas is a good footballer, like there are many good footballers, so it's only normal his name has come up in the transfer market - indeed it is inevitable," Spalletti said in comments reported on the club's official website asroma.it.

"But his intentions are clear, so there are no issues. Why not talk instead about the problem of writing about issues that are not there? Manolas will stay with us."

Agent: Manolas in demand
Agent: Manolas in demand

Manchester United, Man City and Chelsea want Kostas Manolas, claims agent

The player's agent Ioannis Evangelopoulos upped the stakes with Roma when he told Il Tempo newspaper: "The best clubs in Europe want him. There isn't just Manchester City, but also United and Chelsea."

Real Madrid's Luka Modric (L) vies with Roma's Edin Dzeko
Image: Real Madrid's Luka Modric (L) vies with Roma's Edin Dzeko

Spalletti, meanwhile, insists Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko is firing on all cylinders and will be ready to put his disappointing 2015/16 season behind him.

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"Edin is one of those (players) who wants to redeem himself next season, and I think that will give us all a lift," added the Italian coach.

"Last season he only showed glimpses of his potential, but his work ethic has always been healthy and that's good to see."