Torino are leading the race for ex-West Ham United loanee Antonio Nocerino, according to fresh reports in Italy.
Tutto Mercato Web claims the Turin outfit are hopeful of landing the AC Milan midfielder – who spent six months with the Hammers – despite missing out on qualification for next season’s Europa League in heartbreaking fashion.
The report reveals Torino would prefer to pull off a season-long loan deal for the 29-year-old, but Milan are not willing to continue paying his salary, meaning a permanent transfer could instead by on the cards. A Europa League spot seemingly beckoned on the final day of the Serie A season, only for talisman Alessio Cerci to miss a penalty against his former side Fiorentina in the 90th minute, with the scores tied at 2-2.
Had he converted the spot kick – awarded for Facundo Roncaglia’s foul on Paulo Barreto – Torino would have finished an impressive campaign in sixth position. As it was, Italy international Cerci was denied by goalkeeper Antonio Rosati to the despair of the away bench at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, and rivals Parma instead got their hands on that coveted sixth position. Despite the setback, Torino are keen to press on with the transfer business early on in the summer as they look to build on last season’s progress.
