Samp rule out Cassano sale

Sampdoria have ruled out reports of Antonio Cassano moving to Manchester City this winter.

Reports have linked the former Real Madrid and Roma striker with a switch to the English Premier League club but Samp administrator Beppe Marotta insisted he is not for sale.

"Regarding the interest of Manchester City for Cassano I must say that Antonio in January will not leave Genoa," Marotta said.

He added: "Since he arrived at Sampdoria, Antonio has delighted us with his fantastic play and it's normal that this will attract interest from great clubs in Europe, including Manchester City.

"But I wouldn't talk about an open negotiation, there are other clubs that want Antonio."

The 26-year-old already turned down an offer to join Man City in the summer of 2007, when he opted for a return to Serie A and joined Sampdoria on loan from Real Madrid.

Sampdoria made Cassano's permanent transfer their priority this summer and they succeeded, with the Italy international signing a contract until the 2012-13 campaign.

Cassano has scored four goals for Sampdoria so far this season.

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