Sampdoria rule out Cassano move

Serie A outfit Sampdoria have ruled out reports of Antonio Cassano moving to Manchester City in the January transfer window.

Reports have linked the former Real Madrid and Roma striker with a switch to the Premier League club but Samp administrator Beppe Marotta insisted he is not for sale.

"Regarding the interest of Manchester City for Cassano I must say that Antonio in January will not leave Genoa," Marotta said.

"Since he arrived at Sampdoria, Antonio has delighted us with his fantastic play and it's normal that this will attract interest from great clubs in Europe, including Manchester City.

"But I wouldn't talk about an open negotiation, there are other clubs that want Antonio."

The 26-year-old already turned down an offer to join Man City in the summer of 2007, when he opted for a return to Serie A and joined Sampdoria on loan from Real Madrid.

Sampdoria made Cassano's permanent transfer their priority this summer and they succeeded, with the Italy international signing a contract until the 2012-13 campaign. (FOX)

Cassano has scored four goals for Samp so far this season.