Pescara hinted PSG and Manchester City are interested in Marco Verratti, but also admit Gian Piero Gasperini turned down the bench.
Pescara hinted PSG and Manchester City are interested in Marco Verratti, but also admit Gian Piero Gasperini turned down the bench.
Verratti was called up to Italy’s Euro 2012 long-list despite never being capped at senior level and at age 19 is already dubbed the ‘new Andrea Pirlo.’
“Any negotiations for Verratti must take into account our desire and that of the player to spend next season at Pescara,” director of sport Daniele Delli Carri told SportMediaset.
“From there we can begin talks for a player who has proved he has quality and is mature despite his young age. Anyone who wants him will have to respect his choice.
“Marco is a talent born in 1992, so it’s only normal the biggest clubs in Europe are keeping an eye on him. These are sides who spend a great deal of money, but also invest in youth and we could discuss something for next season.”
Juventus had been the runaway favourites for Verratti, but Roma and Inter are also in the running when it comes to Serie A.
The Giallorossi would be options because Coach Zdenek Zeman left Pescara this week and the Delfini are yet to find a replacement.
Delli Carri confirmed there were negotiations held with ex-Inter and Genoa boss Gasperini this week.
“I did contact him, but due to personal reasons he said no. He did not reject the project in place here, but preferred to decline the offer.
“The figure we are looking for is a young manager who can carry on the project based on the system and not so much the players. We are studying the profile that most fits our needs.”
The Pescara director also confirmed that Cittadella manager Claudio Foscarini “is one of the names on the list.”
Others are thought to include Delio Rossi and current Italy Under-21 Coach Ciro Ferrara.