Juventus are following starlet Sandro Tonali and have made their interest known to Brescia.
The 18-year-old received his first call up to the Azzurri this week amidst reports linking him to a host of clubs in Italy and further afield.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, the youngster may become the first point of contention for Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici as the former Juve manager is expected to join Inter in the near future.
Gazzetta reports that Inter have made their interest known to Brescia while Paratici has done the same on behalf of the Bianconeri.
For the moment, it’s suggested that Brescia owner Cellino will resist all offers as he focuses on bringing the Biancoazzurri back to Serie A.
Tonali is hot property for the moment with Chelsea among the Premier League sides following the young midfielder, meaning the initial €20m price tag is a thing of the past.
Speaking to Tuttosport, Brescia owner Massimo Cellino confirmed the interest of a number of big clubs, but insisted he would only sell him under certain conditions.
“I often talk about football to Allegri and discuss tactics with him, but we’ve never talked about Tonali.
“There’s no need: Sandro is a talent whom every Coach would like to have. He’s a modern midfielder who solves tactical problems.
“Tonali starts off as a ‘regista’, but he’s so good that he can raise or lower the team’s centre of gravity, based on the needs of the Coach.
“Would I prefer Tonali be coached by Allegri, Guardiola or Sarri? I hope he remains at Corini’s disposal for as long as possible.
“I have a very good feeling about Eugenio. He’s a very good Coach. If Tonali wants to stay at Brescia, I’m willing to keep him forever.
“In any case, I’d like to enjoy him a bit more and focus on promotion to Serie A so we don’t lose half our team.
“No-one’s called me for Tonali yet, although it’s understandable that everyone likes him. If – and when – the time comes to sell him, not just a super offer will be enough to convince me.
“Those who want Tonali will have to show the lad and I the most love. When I say love, I mean with regards to their the approach, the right time, not distracting him from Brescia.
“These aspects are more important than the money, like it happened with Nainggolan at Cagliari.
“Juve offered more money for Radja, but Roma showed that they wanted me more, making sacrifices.
“When I got to Brescia, Tonali was a ‘mezzala’ and and he wasn’t even a starter for our Primavera team.
“I noticed him in training and asked [then-Coach Roberto] Boscaglia to promote him to the first team.
“I followed his development closely: he’s a modern ‘regista’ because he possesses the dynamism of a ‘mezzala’.
“There is a characteristic that he mustn’t lose if he wants to reach the top: the spirit of being at the service of others.
“Tonali has the quality of the champion but is humble. I hope God keeps him like that, but I’m optimistic because he has two exemplary parents.
“He’s Italy’s future, but his present is Brescia.”