Palermo president preparing for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Javier-Pastore-c18082’s departure, Chelsea and Real Madrid likely destinations
Maurizio Zamparini, the Palermo president, revealed he was determined to figure out the future of star player Javier Pastore.
The 21-year-old Argentinean international has been linked with a host of top European sides, who are competing for his signature.
While Zamparini admitted there was interest from some of Europe’s elite, he confirmed no one had made an official offer as yet.
So far Chelsea, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Real-c30728 Madrid and Barcelona are fore-runners in the race for the Argentinean midfielder in the summer transfer window.
Zamparini is against selling Pastore to a Serie A rival and will reportedly not be considering any offers from other Italian sides.
While the Palermo president was originally against selling the young midfielder in this transfer window, he now seems to have accepted the possibility that Pastore could be parting ways with the club.
Zamparini put a price tag of €50 million on the youngster, claiming Pastore would be available to whichever club could afford to pay the transfer fee.
Zamparini said while speaking to reporters:
“To take Pastore it would need €50 million (£44 million) and it is difficult that he will remain in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926.
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.”
Pastore currently has three years remaining on his contract, which means Palermo can fetch a decent price for him.
While €50 million is definitely too much for the 21-year-old midfielder, there are many clubs who would be prepared to meet the demanded fee.
Big spending http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 and Real Madrid are amongst them and the two are currently favorites to secure the Palermo midfielder’s signature.
However, according to the Palermo president, the three sides have not yet made official contact with the Serie A side regarding the player.
Zamparini confirmed:
“There has been contact with Chelsea, Real Madrid and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604.
I have instructed the agent http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marcelo-c23554 Simonian to explore the market and we will meet over the weekend to evaluate the situation.”
Zamparini revealed he would consider all available options before he allows his star player to leave then club for another side.
Despite interest from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186 and AC Milan, Pastore signed with Palermo in 2009 for a fee of $8 million.
In his first season Pastore made a http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Total-c40747 of 35 appearances in all competitions, scoring 3 goals and providing 5 assists.
He improved considerably in his second term at the club, making 41 appearances, finding the back of the net 14 times and providing 6 assists.
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