Leonardo confirms Verratti interest

Paris Saint-Germain’s Leonardo claims Roma want Marco Verratti on loan, but says the club have no intention of selling the player.

Verratti, 20, joined Paris Saint-Germain in the off-season from second-tier Pescara and has been likened to compatriot Andrea Pirlo after some impressive performances for PSG so far this term.

Leonardo has confirmed there has been interest in the player’s services from his native Italy, but rubbished suggestions he could leave the club.

He told Sky Sport Italia: “I know that in Italy there has been a great deal of talk about this because he is a very strong midfielder who has never played in Serie A.

“It’s only natural he wants to, but there is a zero percent chance of him leaving.

“I never received requests, nor spoke to anyone. The only club that asked us for him was Roma. They made an approach to get him on loan, but the idea died there and then because we have no intention of losing him.”

Verratti scored a last-gasp equaliser for Italy against the Netherlands in an international friendly on Wednesday.