Parma put £34m Gilardino out of reach

PARMA have warned off Chelsea and other potential suitors for Alberto Gilardino by estimating their star striker’s value at more than £34m.

Chelsea, AC Milan and Real Madrid have been linked with the 22-year-old, whose 22 goals this season make him joint top scorer in Serie A alongside Livorno’s Cristiano Lucarelli.

“No player has scored as many goals as Gilardino and with such continuity,” said Parma administrator Luca Baraldi.

“We have sold (Internazionale striker) Adriano for €50m and Alberto, who has done more in terms of numbers, cannot be worth less.”

Parma are looking to sell their top players to ease their financial problems but not at any price.

Gilardino was the most prolific Italian scorer last season in Italy’s top flight with 23 goals but was not included in Giovanni Trapattoni’s Euro 2004 squad.

He has since become a regular in Marcello Lippi’s national team, however.