AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy has played down reports linking him with a summer move to Manchester City, ESPN understands.
Although El Shaarawy is flattered by the Citizens’ interest, the Italy international has made it clear he does not want to leave AC Milan this summer.
According to reports in the Italian media, City were preparing an audacious £30 million bid for the 20-year-old Italian ace.
“I don’t think I will leave Milan,” El Shaarawy told La Repubblica.
“If City really want me it flatters me, but I want to stay here. I have always felt total confidence from everyone – the club, coach [Massimiliano] Allegri and team-mates.
“It’s also thanks to them that I am in the Italian national team.”
El Shaarawy bagged 19 goals and six assists in 46 appearances in all competitions for Milan last season.
Now then, AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has asserted the 20-year-old will stay at the club, while adding the club have “no offers” for reported Chelsea target Kevin Prince Boateng.
Galliani still wants to bring Argentina international striker Carlos Tevez, who has been the subject of interest from Italian champions Juventus in recent weeks, to the San Siro; however, Manchester City are expected to offer the 29-year-old Argentina a new two-year deal by the end of the week. Dilemma.
“Tevez is not cheating on me [with Juventus],” insisted Galliani.
Nonetheless, City are still interested in bringing S.S.C. Napoli talisman Edinson Cavani, who is also reportedly attracting interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid, to the Emirates Stadium.
Skrtel plans future talks
The agent of Liverpool centre-back Martin Skrtel, Karol Csonto, has revealed he will meet with the club’s hierarchy next week to discuss the future of the Slovakia international, Sky Sports reports.
Newly appointed Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, who signed Skrtel from Russian Premier League giants FC Zenit Saint Petersburg for a transfer fee of £6.5 million in January 2008, is reportedly monitoring the 28-year-old’s current situation at Anfield.
Skrtel was very much out-of-favour with Brendan Rodgers during the second half of the 2012/13 season, fueling speculation the Slovakian could search for pastures new this summer.
“There has been no contact between the two clubs. Martin has a contract with Liverpool and it is important to honour that,” Csonto told Radio Crc.
“Obviously Napoli know Martin well, but there cannot be any contact between us and them if they do not first reach an agreement with Liverpool.
“I will be in England next week to talk with Liverpool and define Martin’s future.”
Skrtel made 25 league appearances (23 starts) for Liverpool last term, scoring two goals.
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