Fiorentina tell Manchester United, Juventus and Chelsea Federico Bernardeschi is NOT for sale after recent fan backlash
Italy international has been compared to Roberto Baggio but La Viola chiefs aim to buck trend and retain their biggest players
FIORENTINA have issued a “hands off” warning to any would-be suitors for Federico Bernardeschi.
The Italy international appears to be closing in on a move to Juventus — while Chelsea and Manchester United are also keen.
And La Viola’s owners have been forced to put the club up for sale after coming in for criticism from fans over their willingness to sell their top stars.
However, director of football Pantaleo Corvino insists they will be holding on to their biggest players, telling Italian TV: “Bernardeschi is unsellable for us.
“He came through the ranks and is one of us so, as far as we’re concerned, he’s going nowhere.”
Bernadeschi is an idol among Fiorentina supporters, and they have annointed him the new Roberto Baggio.
Borja Valero’s reportedly imminent move to Inter Milan caused anger amongst fans, with a banner hung on the streets of Florence calling for the owners to go.
But Corvino also claimed he —as well as star striker Nikola Kalinic — would not be put up for sale.
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He added: “Kalinic and Borja Valero are contracted at Fiorentina and we care about them.
“They are still very much part of our plans.
“But, should they want to leave, then they would need to say it publicly.”
This season, fourth place in Serie A will be enough to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2011.
And, for the likes of Fiorentina, it presents a great opportunity.
Keep up to date with Fiorentina news, gossip and transfers on our club page