Sporting director Daniele Faggiano confirmed Parma “just couldn’t afford" Daniele De Rossi, while confirming their interest in Mario Balotelli.
The Roma legend spent 17 years with his hometown club only to be left without a new contract.
He has yet to decide on his future, with several Serie A sides vying for his signature, including Fiorentina and Sampdoria.
“It’s true, we did think about De Rossi, but we just couldn’t afford him,” Parma director Faggiano told Radio Kiss Kiss.
Sporting director Daniele Faggiano confirmed Parma “just couldn’t afford" Daniele De Rossi, while confirming their interest in Mario Balotelli.
The Roma legend spent 17 years with his hometown club only to be left without a new contract.
He has yet to decide on his future, with several Serie A sides vying for his signature, including Fiorentina and Sampdoria.
“It’s true, we did think about De Rossi, but we just couldn’t afford him,” Parma director Faggiano told Radio Kiss Kiss.
The Gialloblu have also been heavily linked with Balotelli, who is available on a free transfer when his contract with Marseille runs down in a few days’ time.
The Corriere dello Sport report that Parma have offered the 28-year-old a contract worth €2m a year in wages, plus bonuses.
“Balotelli is someone we like, and so do many other teams. We’re looking at a lot of strikers, but it’s not easy.
“Obviously if he were to arrive, it would rule out a move for Roberto Inglese. We have an excellent relationship with Napoli, we work together to do the best for our two clubs.”
Inglese scored nine times while on loan with the Ducali this season, and while Parma would like to hang onto him, the Azzurri would want somewhere between €25m-€30m to sell him outright.
However, several Serie A clubs are competing for the 27-year-old’s signature, with Atalanta, SPAL, Bologna, Fiorentina, Sassuolo and Cagliari all reportedly interested in the forward.