Palermo have confirmed their interest in West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami.

Behrami's agent announced earlier in January that his client was expected to stay at West Ham because no team could afford his price tag.

But Serie A side Palermo could come into money from the sale of in-demand defender Simon Kjaer and president Maurizio Zamparini has declared an interest in Behrami.

The Italian club hope that the connections of their sporting director, Walter Sabatini, could broker a deal, with Zamparini telling stadionews.it: "We're trying to take him.

"The negotiation is difficult and complicated, especially for the salary the player receives in the Premier League, but Sabatini is his friend and let's see how it goes. Behrami is a very good player."

But Zamparini would not want to complete any deal until the summer transfer window.

He added a few hours after his initial interview: "We still like the player but it is unlikely that he will arrive.

"In any case, we will try and buy him but not now because it would upset the balance of the team.

"The interest is real but it is for June. Now I would not even take him for free."