“I must confess that recently at the Barbera, during the game between Palermo and Atalanta, a Manchester City scout was in the stands,” revealed Carlo Pallavicino on Stadionews.

“Amelia is a player the English club is tracking, but I don’t think we have the time to complete such a complex transfer before the deadline.

“There are only a few days left and Palermo would obviously say no to losing him, as Marco is having a great season.

“The Palermo fans should be proud to know that Amelia is an international and sought after by many European clubs.”

Amelia had taken the Italy shirt during Gianluigi Buffon’s injury problems and impressed following his summer switch from Livorno.

Meanwhile, Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini poured cold water over the supporters’ hopes of a double January swoop.

The Rosanero had reportedly made firm offers for Internacional star Nilmar and Jose Ernesto Sosa of Bayern Munich.

“Neither Sosa nor Nilmar will be coming,” said the patron. “We will only bring in young players who, as happened with Edison Cavani, can represent the future of Palermo.”