Atletico intensify Cerci pursuit

Cerci

La Liga champions Atletico Madrid are the latest club to enter the race for Torino wideman Alessio Cerci, writes Tyrone Webb-McGarthland.

Accoridng to Italian source Il Messaggero, the 26-year-old is desperate to leave this summer and has made it clear to officials that he will not put pen to paper on a new contract extension.

He could attempt to force the issue by handing in a transfer request unless the Serie A outfit buckle to his demands and set up a transfer soon.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone has joined Champions League hopefuls Roma in the race to secure his signature, and are believed to be willing to top the Italians’ opening offer of £12million, which is thought to be significantly lower than Torino’s valuation.

Elsewhere AC Milan are also keen but cannot make a bid until they find buyers for outcasts Robinho, Alessandro Matri and M’Baye Niang.

Cerci has less than 12 months remaining on his current contract.

He is considered one of the hottest properties in European football after impressing for Italy in the World Cup – one of their few standout performers in an otherwise disappointing campaign.

They exited the competition at the group stage following consecutive 1-0 defeats to Costa Rica and Uruguay.