Cagliari ready to sell Man Utd target Davide Astori

Manchester United have received a welcome boost in their pursuit of Italian international defender Davide Astori, after Cagliari club president Massimo Cellino confirmed that he would not block the sale of the defender.

Astori has attracted interest from many Premier League sides with Everton, Liverpool and Chelsea all battling in the race with Man Utd to sign the stopper.

The centre back has started in 18 league games this season already and has continued where he left off last season with an array of impressive performances. The 27-year-old continues to interest many teams and Cagliari's club president confirmed he would be open to a sale: "If tomorrow I was asked about Astori or others, I would let them go. I cannot protect my boys and so I could give them all away, as was the case for Nainggolan."