FC Lugano coach Pierluigi Tami admits he would like Leeds United target Ezgjan Alioski to join Atalanta.
Leeds are keen on Alioski and have been reported as closing in on a deal to take him to Elland Road, but they face significant competition, both from Italy and Germany.
The Macedonia international forward shone for Lugano in the Swiss top flight last season and netted 16 goals as the side qualified for the Europa League.
He has not yet started pre-season training at the club and coach Tami admits he would welcome Alioski back with open arms, though he knows keeping hold of the forward will be tough.
And the Swiss-Italian coach admits that if Alioski does leave then from the clubs chasing his signature he is hoping Atalanta win the day.
relatedNewsStory
"I am ready to welcome Alioski, Atalanta want him, but also someone else", Tami told Ticionline.
"Keeping hold of him is difficult, but when a player does well it is normal for people to notice him.
"I would be happy if he goes to Atalanta because I am a Bergamasco."
Tami was born in Clusone, Italy, part of the province of Bergamo, where Atalanta are based.
It remains to be seen if Alioski listens to the advice of his coach or instead opts to go elsewhere.
