Parma target Japanese starlet

Tanzi said that conquering the lucrative Asian market is a priority for the club, and would consider signing another Japanese player if Nakata is sold.

"Parmalat (Parma's parent company) is keen to spread their brand name across Asia," said the 35-year-old in reference to the company's global marketing strategy.

"If Nakata is transferred, we will look at bringing another Japanese player to the club."

Cerezo Osaka's 21-year-old Japanese international Yoshito Okubo is understood to be high on Tanzi's short-list, after the striker put on a virtuoso performance against the Serie A club in June.

"He was outstanding against us when we played his team during a friendly match in Japan," Tanzi added.

"There is indeed some interest in him."