Former Paris Saint-Germain manager Carlo Ancelotti has denied reports that suggest Bayern Munich could move for Italian international Marco Verratti.
The Metroreported that the Italian manager has not spoken to his former player, "I have not spoken with Marco Verratti for the past three months or so.I did not call him either.I think Marco will stay at Paris Saint-Germain for a long time.I know him quite well from my time at PSG. He is a great player and is very professional."
Marco Verratti's agent Donati Di Campli: "Ancelotti is crazy about Marco, there's no doubt about that, but I haven't had any calls." pic.twitter.com/K7hk1ENL53
Verratti is extremely highly rated and tipped to be one of the best midfielders of his generation, a prediction that is encouraging the reigningLigue 1 champions to do everything they can to keep hold of the diminutivecentral midfielder.
However, Ancelotti has likely told the board of Bayern Munich to do everythingthey can to swoop for the 24-year-old, with the Bavarian side rumoured to be tempted to match the valuation of £69m that PSG haveset for the player.
.@MrAncelotti: "@scfreiburg are a good side. Tomorrow will be a high-intensity match. We're ready." #SCFFCB pic.twitter.com/79TetU5HGO
With Xabi Alonso announcinghis retirement from football this week, Verratti is seen as the Spaniard's natural heir in front of the Bayern defence, but it seems only an extortionatebid will prise him away from the French capital.