Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has rubbished claims that he holds disdain towards Artem Dovbyk amid reports linking him with a move to Leeds United.
Outlets in Italy have suggested that Dovbyk is set for an exit this summer having not fully won over his manager, despite scoring 17 goals in 45 games last season. Seventeen of his starts came as a starter.
The truth seems to be slightly more complex - and sources have outlined Dovbyk is not a serious consideration for Leeds at this stage. Contacts in Rome have meanwhile outlined how Roma are unlikely to accept below €30.4million (£26.2m) for their attacker given this would incur a loss on the FFP books.
The 28-year-old only joined from Girona last August, penning a five-year contract. As is now custom, his fee of around €38m (£32.8m) is being spread out over the length of his deal.
It’s thought Roma would only sell for profit, or at least break even, in order to fuel the pursuit of a replacement. Villarreal submitted interest for Dovbyk but were ultimately priced out by Roma’s stance.
While a sale could still happen, Gasperini has not closed the door on keeping the 28-year-old at the club and helping him adapt to his tactics better. And speaking this weekend, the Roma manager hit back at claims that he dislikes Dovbyk.
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“He’s been sidelined for a long time, he’s recovering physically, working hard in training. I read that I don’t like Dovbyk, don’t write that, because I never say that - I like all Roma players while they’re at Roma,” he explained following a friendly with Everton, in which Dovbyk started.
“I’ll give my all to work on them, especially because, as I said, they’re incredibly dedicated; they train really well, and for me that’s already more than enough. You can judge their performances.”
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