Sampdoria chief Beppe Marotta admits Manchester United have been in touch recently over striker Fabio Quagliarella.

The Italy international's agent revealed yesterday a £10 million offer had been lodged by United "a month ago" and while coy over the bid, Marotta admitted this morning that contact has been made.

"Manchester United wants Quagliarella? This interest became clear to us some weeks ago," said Marotta. "Though nothing concrete has been suggested.

"Our hope is to keep him here in Genoa for at least another year."