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Samp eye Cassano compromise Wednesday 8 August, 2007

Sampdoria director general Beppe Marotta has called for Real Madrid to compromise in negotiations over Antonio Cassano.

El Pibe de Bari has never settled in Spain after moving from Roma last summer and seems keen to quit the Bernabeu.

However, despite regular rumours of offers, Cassano’s wage demands of around £2.5m per season have put off any possible suitors.

While Sampdoria have emerged as favourites to secure the 25-year-old’s signature, Marotta has admitted that it may be beyond the club’s financial capabilities.

“We have economic guidelines that we stick by, so we need Madrid’s co-operation for the speculation to become a reality,” he told GR1. “At the moment it is nothing more than an idea.

“It’s all about putting a value on a young talent that is misunderstood and hasn’t yet shown its full force.

"The boy has become a man and as such he needs to think hard as this is a very important season for him.”

Doria have made a high-profile swoop for ex-Roma star Vincenzo Montella, but would need to pay the fiery Bari-native almost double to secure his services.

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