AFP
Milan, Italy
Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has warned a trio of Premier League giants off the scent of Greek defender Kostas Manolas.
Manolas, 25, is a target for some of the "best clubs in Europe" but specifically Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, according to the player's agent. But Spalletti, speaking ahead of Roma's first full training session in Boston on Sunday, said the 25-year-old was happy in the Italian capital and would not be moving.
"Manolas is a good footballer, like there are many good footballers, so it's only normal his name has come up in the transfer market -- indeed it is inevitable," Spalletti said in comments reported on the club's official website asroma.it. "But his intentions are clear, so there are no issues. Why not talk instead about the problem of writing about issues that are not there? Manolas will stay with us."
The player's agent Ioannis Evangelopoulos upped the stakes with Roma when he told Il Tempo newspaper: "The best clubs in Europe want him. There isn't just Manchester City, but also United and Chelsea." But, interviewed by Sky Sport, Roma president James Pallotta said: "Why will Manolas not stay? He has a contract. He is happy here."
Roma were pipped to the runner-up place in last season's Serie A league championship by Napoli, meaning Spalletti's men will have to successfully negotiate a play-off round if they are to secure Champions League football. Spalletti, meanwhile, insists Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko is firing on all cylinders and will be ready to put his disappointing season behind him.
"Edin is one of those (players) who wants to redeem himself next season, and I think that will give us all a lift," added the Italian coach. "Last season he only showed glimpses of his potential, but his work ethic has always been healthy and that's good to see."
