|
Torino president Urbano Cairo has dropped the biggest hint yet that his side will sell reported AC Milan target Alessio Cerci. Cerci was left out of the Torino squad for their Europa League third round qualifying 3-0 win over Brommapojkarna on Thursday night amid mounting speculation that he is set to join the Rossoneri. Cairo has confirmed offers have been received for the Italy international, but his hopes of holding onto him appear to be dwindling. "If he's not motivated, then it's pointless trying to keep hold of him," Cairo told Radio 24. "There's been so much talk about Cerci and I think it all really comes down to whether he is happy staying with Torino. "I'm the first person who wants him to stay, but if the lad has different desires then it becomes hard trying to keep hold of him. It's not a good idea forcing such a big player to stay when he lacks motivation." Selling Cerci would see Torino lose their two main forwards from last season. He and Ciro Immobile, who has joined Borussia Dortmund, accounted for 35 of the Granata's 58 goals, with Cerci netting 13. Fabio Quagliarella has been drafted in from city rivals Juventus as a replacement for Immobile, but the sale of Cerci could see the club forced to make a further signing ahead of the new season, which marks their return to Europe after an absence of two decades. Should Cerci join Milan, he would forego European football, with the Rossoneri finishing behind Torino last season and failing to qualify.
|
