Cagliari coach Rolando Maran has insisted that Chelsea target Nicolo Barella will not be distracted by the speculation over his future at the club.
The 21-year-old midfielder is at the centre of an unfolding transfer saga this month, with Chelsea one of several clubs keen on landing his services.
Napoli have also been chasing the young Italian, but Chelsea are claimed to have tabled a big bid, which Cagliari are prepared to accept in order to sell him to the Premier League giants.
The youngster’s future has been subject to constant speculation for months, but Maran stressed it will not distract the midfielder as he knows how to deal with all the rumours.
But he did indicate at some point Barella will have to make the decision to leave Cagliari.
Maran told Italian daily La Nuova Sardegna: “Nicolo is good at working hard and putting aside the rumours concerning him.
“And he will know when the time comes for him to make a different choice from Cagliari.”
Despite the interest from Chelsea, Barella is keen to continue at Cagliari for the moment and postpone a decision on his future until the summer transfer window.
