Massimo Cellino confirms Federico Viviani's move to Leeds United is off
Sky Sports 3/8/14
Leeds United president Massimo Cellino has confirmed that Federico Viviani will not be joining from Roma, with the midfielder on the verge of a loan move to Latina.
Viviani has been the subject of interest from Elland Road for a number of weeks ahead of a proposed season-long switch, but the 22-year-old’s agent spoke of frustrations over a deal being finalised.
Viviani and his representatives had been in England to discuss the move – attending United’s pre-season friendly game at Mansfield – but their return to Italy soon after the 2-0 defeat cast doubts over the deal.
Cellino is since reported to have confirmed that Viviani would be joining, but the Italy Under-21 playmaker now appears set for Serie B outfit Latina, where he spent the second half of last season.
Cellino told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "He (Viviani) is not coming. He is a good player, a talented player, but I cannot sign someone like that.
"All last week it was demands about this, demands about that, asking for more and more so eventually I said ‘enough’."
Leeds, who beat Dundee United 2-0 in their final friendly of the summer, are still expected to tie up a loan deal for AC Milan youngster Zan Benedicic.
The 18-year-old has already confirmed he will sign for the club once the relevant documentation has been finalised and he would become the Whites’ sixth new addition of the summer.
Four new faces – Marco Silvestri, Tommaso Bianchi, Souleymane Doukara and Gaetano Berardi – have already arrived from the Italian leagues, while former Arsenal goalkeeper Stuart Taylor has also penned a one-year deal.
United are still thought to be keen on boosting their defensive options, though, following the departure of Tom Lees to Sheffield Wednesday, but a move for Chesterfield centre-back Liam Cooper now appears to be off.
Leeds United president Massimo Cellino has confirmed that Federico Viviani will not be joining from Roma, with the midfielder on the verge of a loan move to Latina.
Viviani has been the subject of interest from Elland Road for a number of weeks ahead of a proposed season-long switch, but the 22-year-old’s agent spoke of frustrations over a deal being finalised.
Viviani and his representatives had been in England to discuss the move – attending United’s pre-season friendly game at Mansfield – but their return to Italy soon after the 2-0 defeat cast doubts over the deal.
Cellino is since reported to have confirmed that Viviani would be joining, but the Italy Under-21 playmaker now appears set for Serie B outfit Latina, where he spent the second half of last season.
Cellino told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "He (Viviani) is not coming. He is a good player, a talented player, but I cannot sign someone like that.
"All last week it was demands about this, demands about that, asking for more and more so eventually I said ‘enough’."
Leeds, who beat Dundee United 2-0 in their final friendly of the summer, are still expected to tie up a loan deal for AC Milan youngster Zan Benedicic.
The 18-year-old has already confirmed he will sign for the club once the relevant documentation has been finalised and he would become the Whites’ sixth new addition of the summer.
Four new faces – Marco Silvestri, Tommaso Bianchi, Souleymane Doukara and Gaetano Berardi – have already arrived from the Italian leagues, while former Arsenal goalkeeper Stuart Taylor has also penned a one-year deal.
United are still thought to be keen on boosting their defensive options, though, following the departure of Tom Lees to Sheffield Wednesday, but a move for Chesterfield centre-back Liam Cooper now appears to be off.