Marco Palestra is enjoying the attention from bigger clubs owing to his performances for Cagliari, but remains focused on his development.

Marco Palestra is now seen as one of the brightest young full-backs in Serie A following his rise to prominence with Cagliari. The 20-year-old, a product of Atalanta’s system, has been showing his class by becoming a regular with the Italian minnows, while on loan from the Bergamo side.

Last season, Atalanta saw glimpses of his talent with a few appearances in the first team, but chose to loan him out instead of keeping him as a squad option. At Cagliari, Palestra has made 14 Serie A appearances and provided two assists for his teammates this season, as he could target a place in the Atalanta first team next season.

Liverpool have been linked with the young star, with the report stating the Merseysiders reportedly made a €20 million offer last summer. Atalanta did not hesitate in rejecting the approach, and it appears they will demand at least €40 million if any clubs are interested in the 20-year-old full-back.

However, such news barely escapes the players in question, and in Palestra’s case, he’s aware of the growing admiration from elsewhere. While speaking to the press recently, the €40 million-rated Serie A defensive prospect was asked about the interest from elsewhere, as Palestra responded by stating he liked it but was focused on his development, with those comments appearing on Tuttu Cagliari via Sport Witness.

Palestra said, “The attention is nice, I’m just focused on doing well in the rossoblù jersey.

“We need to improve, even if we always play with an open face. I’m improving defensively, but also in counterattacking. I have to thank the coach for pushing me.”

There are still doubts whether Liverpool will return with a new offer, as they might have to increase it substantially from the €20 million they reportedly proposed last summer. The €40 million-rated Serie A defensive prospect will be a solid addition if some of the top clubs pay attention, although Atalanta are only allowing a departure for that sum or they will keep him at the club until at least 2027, as per the report.

Their stance certainly hints that the player is on a longer-term contract at the club, with Atalanta willing to let him finish the season with Cagliari. Hence, any prospect of a January departure seems unlikely, although clubs like Liverpool could potentially test Atalanta with an offer next summer.