Rome: Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco said on Saturday he was reluctant to part with Edin Dzeko, adding that he had only just become aware of the Serie A club’s need to sell.

Chelsea are reported to be closing in on Bosnian ace Dzeko and Brazilian Emerson Palmieri for a combined 50 million euros (62 million dollars).

But Di Francesco said he would prefer to hang on the 2016-2017 Serie A top scorer, who netted 29 last season and had proved his worth this term with ten, including the equaliser in last week’s 1-1 draw against Sampdoria.

“I don’t know what the financial situation is, I only came to know of this possibility recently. But we do this job and we must be ready for anything,” said the Roma coach.

“It’s normal that if it were to happen, it would be tied to the financial fair play and other issues.

“It hasn’t happened yet. I saw great support from the crowd and I hope to see the same tomorrow night.” There has been growing disconcent among Roma fans at the lack of winter transfer signings with two banners: “As Roma is not a game” and “Enough illusions, buy the champions!” hanging outside the Stadio Olympico on the eve of Sunday’s game against Sampdoria.

“In the case of a Dzeko sale I asked the club to sign Leo Messi, but they told me it wasn’t possible,” joked the Roma coach.

Agence France-Presse