Valencia are holding talks with Sampdoria over a potential €15m deal for midfielder and Belgian international Dennis Praet, say reports.
Marca cite Italian transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio on covering the deal – which would include an initial €15m plus further bonuses – but the player’s salary may be an issue.
It is claimed that Los Che view the demands are excessive although there is hope that a negotiation process may see a satisfactory outcome reached.
The Copa del Rey holders had been in the market for Barcelona midfielder Rafinha Alcantara but it is claimed that the Belgian is now their preferred alternative in the advanced midfield position.
Praet, 25, was snapped up from RSC Anderlecht in the summer of 2016 for €8m and he is currently under contract at the Serie A side until June 2021 and he has also been linked with Milan.
Valencia have already completed the permanent signings of Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen and Villarreal winger Denis Cheryshev this summer and are hopeful on a deal for Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez.