Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has revealed an offer from Chelsea was lodged for Javier Pastore earlier this season.

Pastore has been likened to Real Madrid star Kaka.

"Champions League qualification could help us to retain our most talented young people," Zamparini told Gazzetta dello Sport. "If they can play in Europe with us, they do not have to think about going to a big club.

"Chelsea offered 15 million euro for Pastore in August.

"Now he costs three times that but is the strongest player I've ever had and I enjoy working with him."