Daniele Prade has told TuttoMercatoWEB that he does not know if Dusan Vlahovic would reconsider signing a new contract with Fiorentina, amid transfer interest from Tottenham.
Vlahovic has just 18-months remaining on his current deal at the Artemio Franchi Stadium having rejected I Viola’s previous offers. President Rocco Commisso announced in October that he proposed making the Serbian the all-time highest-paid player in the club’s history.
But Sporting Director Prade reiterates Vlahovic’s agent rejected the proposal to leave the striker’s future in doubt. He also still does not know if they can resolve his predicament.
Fiorentina have held further talks with Vlahovic’s agent, Darko Ristic, this month to discuss the 21-year-old’s future. Corriere Fiorentino noted the forward’s agent met Viola CEO Joe Barone, but they could not find a resolution after he turned down €5m-a-year (£82k-a/w).
Fiorentina chiefs Barone and Prade had also flown to London to discuss a January transfer for Vlahovic with Tottenham. Antonio Conte is a big fan of the forward, while Spurs tried to sign the attacker this summer, too. But a mid-season switch is currently unlikely to happen.
Tottenham were on pole for a transfer once Vlahovic leaves Fiorentina, per Corriere dello Sport last month, though. Yet Gianluca Di Marzio also notes I Viola will want €80m (£68m).
Prade unsure on Tottenham target Vlahovic’s Fiorentina future
Tottenham have remained interested in Vlahovic as the Fiorentina star is enjoying another standout campaign. He struck 21 goals in 37 Serie A appearances last season, yet already has 16 after 18 outings this term. The 14-cap Serbian has also offered four assists so far.
Prade states I Viola are in the dark over if Vlahovic would ever change his position and stay in Tuscany. But the striker’s efforts please the club’s hierarchy, given his total commitment.
“The speech related to Vlahovic is very special,” Prade said. “My president has already done it several times together with Barone. What I can say is only one thing: we did our best. On our part, there was the maximum availability.
“We offered a contract that Fiorentina had never made to any player over the years, not even [Gabriel] Batistuta. The agents did not accept it. I don’t know [if he would reconsider].
“It’s too dry a question. In football, these answers cannot be given because you don’t know. The boy at the moment is behaving in a 100% professional manner. He is doing very well, so we are happy with this.”
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