Sky Sports understands Mariano Pavone is set to snub a big-money move to link up with Diego Maradona in order to seal a switch to England.
Argentina international set to reject chance to link up with Maradona
Sky Sports understands Argentina international Mariano Pavone is set to snub a big-money move to link up with Diego Maradona in order to seal a switch to England.
Maradona is known to be keen on wrapping up a move for Pavone, who is currently with Lanus in his homeland.
Pavone, who will turn 30 later this month, previously enjoyed a stint with Real Betis in Europe before returning to Argentina in 2010 with River Plate.
He has hit double figures in his last two seasons and is now ready to move back to Europe, and accept an offer from England.
West Bromwich Albion are understood to be leading the chase in the Premier League, although there is rival interest.
Pavone, who is available on a free transfer, also has interest from Maradona's Al Wasl in Dubai and, whilst a move to the Middle East would be his most lucrative option, it is understood he is set to turn that down in order to move to the Premier League.
A source close to the deal told
Sky Sports: "The chance to play in England is too much of an attraction for Mariano to turn down and he is hopeful that a deal will soon be done."
Should Pavone agree a move to England he would not require a work permit as he has an Italian passport.
