Mariano Grimaldi said: "Roma were the first club to take interest in him last summer, but even then the asking price of (Palermo president Maurizio) Zamparini was excessive. Now it is set at £18 million, which leaves the capital club out of the picture.

"There is strong interest in the player from AC Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid.

"Amauri, however, loved his time in Rome. He was there regularly for four months when doing his knee rehab and struck up a great relationship with many of the Giallorossi players, particularly Francesco Totti.

"The Roma captain has asked him repeatedly to join him in the capital.

"The lad is very happy in Sicily and will stay there until June. We'll decide what to do after then."