The manager of Sassuolo has told the Italian media a decision needs to made soon about the future of his central defender Francesco Acerbi.
The 28-year-old has linked with Leicester City in this window, and the Premier League club have allegedly tabled two bids for the player.
Calciomercato have reported on comments Eusebio Di Francesco made to an Italian radio station when asked about the future of Acerbi and also his Sassuolo teammate Grégoire Defrel. Both have been linked with leaving Sassoulo in this window, but Di Francesco said he hopes he can keep hold of the pair.
The Sassuolo coach revealed the players have been affected by this speculation, especially with Defrel, and now he just wants the window to close.
“Of course I would not deprive myself of Acerbi and Defrel, but it is now time to decide. In particular, the striker is not helped by these rumours, hopefully this market will end soon,” said the Sassuolo boss.
This week we covered reports from Italy that Leicester City had tabled an improved offer of €12m for Acerbi, but this was rejected by the Sassuolo leaders. The Premier League champions had initially offered the Serie A side €7m for the defender earlier in this window.
Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri is reportedly keen to bring in Acerbi before the transfer deadline next week, and has been scouting the player this season. Once again, ti’s worth pointing out that after Leicester scouted a match between Sassuolo and Fiorentina, several players from each side were then claimed as the target, with the Acerbi story snowballing more than others.
