Last Updated: Tue, 08 Jan 2013 09:32
Southampton have been warned that they will have to increase their offer for Cagliari central defender Davide Astori if they want him.
Saints boss Nigel Adkins has been heavily linked with a swoop for the 25-year-old Italy international as he bids to shore up his leaky defence in the second half of the Premier League campaign.
However, it appears that an initial £8million put down to try and entice the Serie A outfit to sell has not gone down well with the club who are looking for around £4million extra before they will consider letting their key man leave.
On a positive note the player's agent, Renzo Contratto, has confirmed that Astori would be interested in moving to the Premier League but he says an agreement is not close at the moment.
He told Sky Sports: "There is an important offer from Southampton but we don't know if Cagliari want to let him go.
"There is a big difference between the bid and the request of the Italian club, which is about £12million.
"If Cagliari were to accept Southampton's offer, Davide would be willing to consider the proposal.
"He would have no problem going to play in a foreign league such as the Premier League."
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