With Radamel Falcao expected to stay at Atletico Madrid until at least the end of the season, Chelsea and Manchester City could be set to miss out on another transfer target in January.
Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic has been linked with both clubs over the past 12 months and was reportedly the subject of a failed bid by City during the summer.
The Montenegrin has eight goals in 13 Serie A outings this season for the Viola, who are riding high in third place in the Italian top-flight, nine points behind leaders Juventus.
An integral part Vincenzo Montella's new-look side, Jovetic insists he has no plans to leave the club in the new year. “I am thinking only of the present,” he told Corriere della Sera. “I feel fine in Florence and I want to win something with this shirt."
Joevtic has, however, refused to close the door complete on a move away at the end of the season, but has offered no further encouragement to Chelsea or City by stating his intention of remaining in Italy.
That raises the real prospect of Jovetic joining Fiorentina's bitter rivals Juve, who are also long-time admirers of the young hitman and have made no secret of their desire to sign a world class striker.
On his long-term future in Florence, Jovetic said: “I will talk with the club in June about my future, but if I did change teams, I'd like to stay in Italy.”
A switch from the Artemio Franchi to the Juventus Stadium would not be without its controversy, drawing similarities in Roberto Baggio's own move for a then world record fee in 1990.
Full-scale riots ensued in Florence over the move and fifty people were injured. Baggio tried to appease the fans telling them: “I was compelled to accept the transfer.”
The Italian legend had a successful time with Juventus but hardly endeared himself to their supporters when he picked up a Fiorentina scarf and kissed it during a match between the two clubs.
Though Baggio left the Viola he has always maintained that: “Deep in my heart, I am always purple.”
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