Despite links with Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, Josip Ilicic says his only focus is on Palermo.
Palermo attacking midfielder Josip Ilicic has put an end to rumours linking him with a summer switch to the Premier League according to Sky Sports.
The 23-year-old has been linked with moves to Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs, who were reportedly trying to wrap up a deal for him in January, but the Slovenian international has virtually ruled out a switch to a Premier League this summer by claiming that he wants to remain in Italy.
Palermo are struggling to keep a hold of their Serie A status this term and there are no shortage of suitors for Ilicic should the worst possible outcome occur. Roma, Inter Milan, Juventus and Sampdoria have all taken a serious interest in bringing him to the mainland from Sicily.
Ilicic had also rejected the advances of Dynamo Kiev in January as he underlined his desire to stay in the Mediterranean: “I received an offer from them but I said no because I wanted to fight and help Palermo stay in Serie A.”
“I don’t know what will occur in June. The career of a footballer is short and moments arrive when you can change your life. Nevertheless, I’d like to remain in Italy.” he said.
“For now I just want to end this season as well as possible and then we will see what happens.”
Ilicic joined Palermo from Maribor in 2010. He has since gone on to make 102 appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals.