Javier Pastore likely to leave Palermo

(GETTY IMAGES)

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has given his strongest hint yet that Argentinian playmaker Javier Pastore will leave the club next summer.

The 21-year-old is reported to be a target for several of Europe’s top clubs, with Barcelona rumoured to be leading the pursuit.

Zamparini told Tuttosport: “Until the end of season he will play for Palermo. Despite my interest for the club and player, I am already looking for his replacement.

“It will be impossible to find a replacement because he is too good.

“Also, I feel it will be difficult for an Italian club to buy him. His price is already high at 70million euros - he will move abroad.”

“I refused 25million euros from Real Madrid. Pastore would like to play with Lionel Messi (at Barcelona), but if an offer of 100million euros were to arrive from (Chelsea’s) Roman Abramovich, I would take it into consideration.”