Serbian international still no closer to renewal with Viola.
Fiorentina starlet Adem Ljajic is reportedly close to securing a move to Atletico Madrid according to reports in the Spanish media.
The 21-year-old is yet to make a decision on whether or not to renew his deal with the Viola, with owner Andrea Della Valle warning him that he must either accept the offer or be placed on the market.
That in turn led Milan to make a formal bid of €8m for the star, which was immediately rejected by Fiorentina and led to speculation that they would be include an “anti-Milan” clause in his new contract.
While that has since been dismissed, it is clear that they would prefer not to sell the youngster to a league rival, and Atletico have now emerged as another possible destination.
Coach Diego Simone is said to be a fan of the talented youngster, and is continuing his search to reinforce the squad ahead of the new season following the departure of Falcao.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport who have followed up on a report in Spanish newspaper AS, the Serbian could be close to reaching an agreement with the La Liga outfit, but it remains to be seen whether Milan will re-enter the race to sign him.
With club relations between Milan and Fiorentina still tense, it is unclear at this stage as to whether Della Valle will even consider the option of selling. Meanwhile, were Ljajic to see out the remainder of his current contract, he could leave for free next summer.
Nevertheless, Atletico could swoop in and take him to Spain which would undoubtedly ease the Viola’s concerns of Ljajic coming back to haunt them.
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