Fiorentina have turned down an approach from AC Milan for midfielder Adem Ljajic and indicated that he is close to committing himself to the club by signing a new deal.
Milan are reported to have offered €7 million for Ljajic – but that does not match Fiorentina's valuation of the 21-year-old Serbian.
"It's too little," Fiorentina president Andrea della Valle told Gazzetta dello Sport. "The player has expressed his willingness to stay. Let's just see what he's going to ask for in terms of wages.
"I spoke to him this morning and, I repeat, he has expressed his willingness to stay here, which is important. It's best for his future if he stays."
Should no agreement be reached with Ljajic, described as “lacking serenity” by coach Vincenzo Montella earlier this week, Milan may be invited to raise their bid for a player who is out of contract in 12 months and had previously indicated that he would like to move.
"Let it be clear - if he doesn't accept our offer, then he goes onto the transfer market," Della Valle added.
"We're not going to have the scenario we had with Riccardo Montolivo again, but Ljajic has got to understand that we've got to keep an even wage structure.
"Next week, there will be a meeting between my men and the player's entourage."
Montolivo made the move from Florence to Milan on a free transfer in 2012, a year after turning down a contract extension.
