Parma eager to hang on to Ranieri

Ex-Chelsea boss Ranieri took over at Parma in February

Manchester City's hopes of luring Parma coach Claudio Ranieri to Eastlands have been dealt a blow after the Italian club insisted they want him to stay.

The Serie A club's president Tommaso Ghirardi told Parma's website: "He is tempted by the idea of going to England but we will try to keep him.

"The fans' warmth and the atmosphere will make him reflect on his future."

And while Ranieri admitted his "future was not decided" he also stated "I would like to remain at Parma".

I love English football and want to work there again one day Parma boss Claudio Ranieri

The 56-year-old took over struggling Parma in February and successfully guided them to safety in Italy's top division, with a 12th-placed finish.

His impressive stint has reportedly convinced the City board he is the man to take over from former boss Stuart Pearce, who was sacked on 14 May.

But Ranieri is keen to build on his success at the Stadio Ennio Tardini and added: "Parma is a healthy club, led by people who love football."

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The Rome-born coach guided Chelsea to the Champions League semi-finals and runners-up spot in the Premiership before Jose Mourinho took charge at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2004.

But he has denied any contact with Manchester City and told BBC Sport earlier this month: "Nobody has contacted me - I don't know anything at the moment.

"I love English football and want to work there again one day. But my mind is 100% on Parma right now."

BBC Sport understands Manchester City want a continental manager to take over from Pearce but Louis van Gaal, Ronald Koeman and Gerard Houllier have already said they are not interested in the job.