Parma chief Pietro Leonardi admits talks with Manchester United over a swap deal for midfielder McDonald Mariga.

The Kenya international is a target for United and it was mentioned that a swap could be setup involving young Italian striker Kiko Macheda.

"Mariga will surely be a Parma player. He is one of our great strengths," said Leonardi.

"We talked about Macheda for Mariga, but decided against it, with all due respect to Macheda, who is a very strong player."