Manchester United remain tight-lipped over claims by
Sampdoria striker Fabio Quagliarella that he is being targeted by
the Premier League champions
Quagliarella, 23, says United have increased a reported £10m bid to
beat off opposition from top Serie A clubs.
Sampdoria say only an "extraordinary offer" would prise away
Quagliarella, who is under contract until 2010.
Quagliarella told Gazzetta dello Sport: "I would gladly join the
Premier League but I would prefer to remain in Italy."
Manchester United are a big deal but I would prefer to remain in
Italy
name here
He joined Sampdoria from Ascoli last summer, although his sporting
rights are jointly owned by the Genoa club and Udinese.
Quagliarella made 35 Serie A appearances for Sampdoria last season
and his 13 goals and performances earned him a call-up by Italy
coach Roberto Donadoni.
Earlier this month, he scored his first goals for the Azzurri in
Italy's 2-0 Euro 2008 qualifying win against Lithuania.
Despite expressing an interest in a move to Manchester,
Quagliarella insists his preference would be to stay in Italy to
seal his place in the national team.
He said: "It seems a serious offer from Manchester, they have
raised it and it is an important figure.
"Manchester United are a big deal and if it ended up going that
way, the Premier League is a fascinating and beautiful
competition.
"But I am really happy at Sampdoria and would prefer to remain in
Italy, having continuity and the trust of Donadoni."
Barcelona's former Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen has also been
linked with a move to Old Trafford, while United striker Giusseppe
Rossi has pleaded for a first-team chance.
Rossi, 20, was loaned out to Newcastle United at the start of last
season before moving to Parma, where he enjoyed a goalscoring
record that attracted the interest of Serie A clubs.
