West Brom linked to £20m Franco Vazquez

Franco Vazquez will be allowed to leave the Italian club this summer, president Maurizio Zamparini has confirmed, and he expects him to go to England.

But Zamparini wants €25m for the 27-year-old – which is just under £20m – and claims he's already been in touch with Tottenham.

However, the Baggies have reportedly enquired about the Argentinian-born player, who has two caps for Italy, including one against England last year.

Zamparini told Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport: "It's definitely more likely Vazquez will go to England – I'm asking for 25 million Euros for him.

"I have lower offers, but I can see him doing well anywhere. He's underrated and I don't know why.

"I'm in touch with Tottenham and I've asked them for €25m, so let's see."

Vazquez grabbed eight goals and six assists in 36 Serie A games last season, helping Palermo stave off relegation.

A left-footed playmaker who can also play on the wing or as a second striker, he expects to leave Palermo this summer.

The midfielder commented: "I have not said anything about my future, but when there will be an agreement I'll just catch a plane and go to sign.

"The president does the price. If he does not accept it, then I will stay at Palermo, I have a contract until 2019. I don't think that will happen, however."

Albion will not pay £20m for the midfielder, smashing their club record of £12m in the process, but the Baggies do expect asking prices to drop over the course of the summer.

Technical director Nick Hammond said: "The interesting thing this summer is where the market's going, because you have a new Sky deal.

"Everyone seems a little bit unsure and because of that you're quoted very high prices, because people don't want to sell themselves short.."

Elsewhere, former Baggies midfielder Paul Scharner has criticised his ex-Albion boss Roy Hodgson for his negative England substitutions.