PARMA ATTEMPT TO QUELL RUMOURS

Parma face growing rumours that the summer will see some of the key players at the club leaving for more successful clubs - with Lillian Thuram, Gianluigi Buffon, Sergio Conceicao and Fabio Cannavaro all linked to top European sides.

The Serie A side, who have secured a place in the Champions League for the coming season, have tried in vain to keep rumours to a minimum, but with players themselves admitting that the club is underachieving, have faced an uphill battle.

With Thuram linked to Juventus and Manchester United, Conceicao to Inter and Juve, and Italian internationals Cannavaro and Buffon both hinting about moves to the press, Parma fans are getting restless.

Larini has insisted that the players in question are under contract and that the club is still in the driving seat.

"As usual at this time of the year, the market rumours circulate," said Larini. "But at present moment, there's no truth in those rumours. To us, this team may be competitive with no other changes."

"Everybody must remember that contracts signed with the club are always valid until their expiring date and unilateral breaks are not allowed...

"In order to change what a contract states, you need a bilateral will, and we all have to keep this in mind."