The full Monty

  • by Staff Writer
  • Monday, 22nd September 2008

Fiorentina manager Cesare Prandelli has dismissed reports linking midfielder Riccardo Montolivo with a move to East London.

Prandelli, talking to the Italian media at the weekend was speaking in response to reports suggesting that United were interested in securing the services of the 23-year-old.

"West Ham want Montolivo? This season he will make the leap in quality here," he said, before adding "twelve million [the fee West Ham are rumoured to be willing to pay] is not a great offer."

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is said to be a big admirer of Montolivio who began his career at Atalanta in Serie B at the age of just 18, helping his team clinch promotion to Serie A during his first season.

Despite being relegated the following year Montolivio diid enough to catch the eye of several major clubs and ended up moving to Fiorentina where he has a been a regular for the last three seasons.

A regular in the Italian under 21 team formerly co-managed by Zola, Montolivio won his first full international cap in a friendly against South Africa back a year ago next month.

However he was overlooked for the Italian squad that played at Euro 2008 and played instead for the under 21s at the Beijing Olympics.

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