Football Italia reported on Friday that the Serie B outfit had put Merino up for sale and sparked a bidding war.

“Merino can play in a number of positions, a little like Maradona, and it is clear may teams want him,” agent Jose Alberti told Tuttomercato.

“Manchester City are in the race for his signature, on Monday they will be in Salerno to make their offer because Merino is the ideal foil for Robinho and Elano.

“Galatasaray have also asked about him, but his preference is to remain in Italy.”

27-year-old Peruvian Merino has been linked with bids from Napoli, Genoa and Fiorentina.

“Salernitana have put him on the market. Now it's up to the interested clubs,” concluded Alberti.

Merino came to the attention of scouts everywhere this year when he scored a 40-yard screamer against Albinoleffe.

The satirical Italian football show Striscia la Notizia replayed the goal and claimed it was identical to one Maradona scored against Verona in the `80s.

Merino has a Spanish passport and first came to Europe in 1997 when Barcelona signed him for their academy.