Palermo: 'Paulo Dybala close to extending contract'

Palermo striker Paulo Dybala is close to renewing his contract with the Rosaneri, according to club president Maurizio Zamparini.

The Argentine youngster has reportedly courted interest from Arsenal and Manchester United after emerging as one of Europe's hottest properties this season.

However, Zamparini is quoted by The Daily Star as saying: "We are very close to a contract renewal and it's a matter of days, but the negotiations are being complicated by the vultures circling him.

"Due to this pressure, it will be difficult to keep hold of him at the end of the season. I don't want to sell my best players, it is they who cannot say no when offered four or five times what they can earn here.

"However, if I find a strong economic partner, then I'm keeping him."

Reportedly rated at around £30m by his club, Dybala's existing contract expires in 18 months.