Floro Flores weighing up options

Udinese forward Antonio Floro Flores is interested in replacing Alberto Gilardino at Fiorentina, according to his agent.

The 28-year-old signed a new contract in August but has been disappointed with his lack of playing time so far this season, finding himself behind Antonio Di Natale in the pecking order at the Stadio Friuli.

“Antonio wants to play,” the striker’s representative, Paolo Palermo, told Calciomercato.it. “He feels in good shape and wants to prove all his worth.”

“A while ago (Udinese coach) Francesco Guidolin said he was one of the best strikers in the league, but so far has used him very sparingly.”

“I know that it’s not easy with a team-mate like Antonio Di Natale, but we expected greater consideration from the coach.”

“The lad thought he would play against Juventus after his excellent performance at Lazio, so was upset to be left out. If the situation does not change, then we’ll have to talk it over with Udinese and make our evaluations.”

Gilardino is expected to leave Florence for Genoa, with Fiorentina reportedly considering Floro Flores, Juventus’ Amauri and Catania’s Maxi Lopez as alternatives.

“At the moment there has been no contact with Fiorentina, so that is all speculation and journalistic suggestions,” Palermo said.

“However, I cannot deny there could be something in future, considering Fiorentina want to replace Gilardino, so if they were to call…”

Udinese are flying high in Serie A this season, sitting in third position and just two points behind joint leaders AC Milan and Juventus, with Floro Flores scoring two goals for the club in all competitions so far.

Fiorentina find themselves in 14th spot with 18 points at the mid-season break.