Club chief says Liverpool and Everton will fail in pursuit of Italian star and Juve target

Riccardo Saponara will not leave Empoli in January

EMPOLI insist sought-after midfielder Riccardo Saponara will not leave in the January transfer window.

Premier League rivals Liverpool and Everton have been heavily linked with a winter move for the 23-year-old, while Juventus have also shown an interest.
But Empoli sporting director Marcello Carli says Saponara, who has scored three goals and assisted two this term, won't be going anywhere.

The former Italy Under-21 international has missed out on the last two Serie A games against Sassuolo and Roma through suspension, and Carli says his absence has hit the club hard.
"No-one will move in January," Carli told Calciomercato. "We’ll keep all our players. Then in June we’ll evaluate any offers that come in, in line with club policy.

Riccardo Saponara has scored three goals for Empoli this season

"We’re used to rumours about our players, it means we’re doing well. Saponara in particular is an important player for us, and his absence [through suspension] is weighing heavily.
"You have to see the positives in every situation though, and without Riccardo some interesting young players have had the chance to prove their quality."