ULIVIERI: 'I LIKE NAKATA'

Nakata, who is being closely watched by a number of sides including Premiership Arsenal, has grown unsettled with the Roman club despite domestic league success this season.

Talismanic Francesco Totti has invariably been selected ahead of Nakata when fit, and the arrival in the summer of Bari wonderkid Antonio Cassano will only serve to increase the competition for forward positions.

When asked about Nakata - a player that president Stefano Tanzi has already suggested is on the club's wanted list - Ulivieri stated: "Nakata? I like him a lot."

Parma have increasingly found themselves in dire straits this season, with the expected competition for silverware being limited to fourth place in Serie A and the final of the Coppa Italia.

World class Players at the club, including Lillian Thuram, Sergio Conceicao, Gianluigi Buffon, Amoroso and Fabio Cannavaro have all suggested they may depart the Ennio Tardini, to pursue glory.

Nakata has already proved his abilities in Serie A with Perugia, and has rarely disappointed when he appeared for the giallorossi - despite often having to deputise for the incomparable Totti.