Empoli were expected to meet Davide Merola’s agent today as they pursue a move for the Inter forward, according to FcInterNews.it.
Bologna expressed an interest in the 19-year-old last month before signing Gianmarco Cangiano from Roma’s academy instead, while Sampdoria recently reached an agreement to sign him for €500,000 plus a 50% resale cut.
Merola’s agent Mino Raiola blocked a move to the Blucerchiati, though, because he did not want his client to be signed and sent on loan to a lower-league club.
Empoli aim to secure an immediate return to Serie A this year and would seemingly make Merola a more important part of their first-team plans.
Merola also has interest from Torino, with the Granata’s new sporting director Massimo Bava having made contact in the last few days.
Inter want to sell the young Italian on a permanent deal whoever comes forward, because his contract expires next summer.
Merola made 32 appearances in all competitions for Inter’s Primavera side last season, scoring 12 goals and creating three assists.
His most eye-catching goal of the campaign came during a 4-2 win against Tottenham in the UEFA Youth League, but Armando Madonna’s side were eliminated at the group stage.
