Delvecchio prefers Palermo option

Sampdoria have given conflicting signals about Delvecchio

Celtic are likely to miss out in their attempt to sign Sampdoria midfielder Gennaro Delvecchio, sources in Italy have told BBC Sport.

It is thought that he would prefer to remain in Italy to improve his international call-up chances and Palermo are his favoured club.

A Sampdoria official had earlier insisted that Celtic had yet to turn their interest into a firm offer.

And he stated that Napoli and Palermo were interested in the 29-year-old.

"The position of Sampdoria regarding Gennaro is quite simple - there has been no official contact from Celtic yet," he said.

"There has been no contact from Palermo either. Until there are official offers, there is only rumours."

The latest statement conflicts with earlier claims from Sampdoria that they had received an offer from Palermo.

"I don't know if he would prefer to move to Scotland or remain in Italy," said the source.

"He is still our player at the moment and, once we receive an offer, we can discuss it with him then."

Sampdoria spokesman Matteo Gamba had earlier said that, although Palermo had made an offer, his club were holding out for £3m.

"If they come up with £3m, there is every chance Delvecchio could end up in Glasgow as he is excited by Celtic's interest," he said.