Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini is keen to resolve the future of in-demand playmaker Javier Pastore.
Zamparini keen to resolve player's future
Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini is keen to resolve the future of Javier Pastore and intends to hold talks this weekend.
The Argentine's future is developing into one of the major stories of the transfer window, with Zamparini claiming that several of Europe's leading clubs are interested in securing his services.
Chelsea are reported to have made an offer, while Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked with the 21-year-old as Zamparini is reluctant to sell to an Italian rival.
Zamparini is also standing firm in his valuation of the player but accepts Pastore could leave and would like to sort out the matter as quickly as possible.
"To take Pastore it would need €50million (£44m) and it is difficult that he will remain in Italy," the Palermo president told
Radio Radio TV.
"Palermo don't need to sell Pastore. If we sell him it is because the player is aiming to go to a big club.
"He has a three-year contract and there are two or three clubs that will make a bid for him.
"There has been contact with Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
"I have instructed the agent Marcelo Simonian to explore the market and we will meet over the weekend to evaluate the situation."
No Real interest
Speculation linking Real with a move for Pastore, however, has been played down by Fifa agent Ernesto Bronzetti.
Bronzetti, who works closely with Real president Florentino Perez, believes Zamparini is ready to cash in on Pastore and comments on the subject so regularly in an effort to spark a bidding war.
"I spoke directly with the president Florentino Perez about Pastore and he said he didn't even know who Pastore is," Bronzetti told
Italia 7 Gold.
"My impression is that Zamparini gives the Argentine the publicity he deserves, to raise the player's price. He's acting well, in the best way to sell him."
