Atalanta have jumped ahead of Premier League rivals in the race for Metz whizkid Pape Matar Sarr.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are all keen on the youngster ahead of this month's transfer deadline.
Indeed, Metz president Bernard Serin was due in London on Monday for talks with interested clubs.
But Sky Italia says it's Atalanta which have made a first move, tabling a €20m cash offer for Sarr - which Serin has promptly turned down.
Instead, Serin is seeking €40m to sell Sarr this month.
