Udinese director Pierpaolo Marino has discussed all the reported interest from a host of clubs over the course of the Summer transfer window in star man Rodrigo de Paul.

Fiorentina and Inter both drew links to the versatile Argentine midfielder whilst Spanish side Atletico Madrid were also reportedly keen on him.

“There was never anything concrete for him. It was more rumours than actual negotiations. Fiorentina were the most interested but never made any offers that even tempted us,” he explained in an interview with Tutto Mercato Web.

He then discussed the club’s ambitions for the season.

“We want to reach the 40 points mark as soon as possible. I think it will be a very difficult season so let’s reach 40 points first and foremost and then we can go from there.”

Asked about the Udine club’s upcoming games, the first of which will be against Inter, he concluded: “Anything can happen in the first few days of the season.”