Viola insist striker is going nowhere amid continuing speculation

Fiorentina have issued a hands-off warning concerning coveted striker Alberto Gilardino.

The 28-year-old, who has scored five times for the Serie A outfit this term, has previously been linked with Juventus, Lyon and Newcastle.
Speculation concerning the striker, who is contracted to Fiorentina until 2013, has intensified during the Serie A winter break, but La Viola insist he is going nowhere.

A statement on the club's official website said: "Given the continued references regarding a potential transfer of Alberto Gilardino, we state that the player is absolutely not for sale.

"Our objective is to grow and invest to improve the current squad."

Gilardino, who has been capped 45 times by Italy, joined La Viola from AC Milan in 2008.