Carpi and Sassuolo are set to go head-to-head to for the loan signing of Udinese's Alexander Merkel.

Kazakh born Merkel spent last season on loan at Swiss Super League outfit Grasshoppers and made a total of 11 appearances in all competitions in what was a disappointing spell.

Uncertain future

Merkel is facing an uncertain future under new boss Stefano Colantuono who alongside staff, is currently evaluating the players with regards of who to keep a hold of as the Bianconeri look to improve on their terrible 15th placed finish last season.

The 23-year-old has made just five appearances for the Stadio Fruili outfit since joining from fellow Serie A side Genoa in 2013, the club where he enjoyed his best football of his short career.

Merkel, who is a product of AC Milan's youth academy still has three years to run on his current deal with Udinese but the club have been less than impressed with his performances having loaned him out to then Sky Bet Championship side Watford prior to the aforementioned Grasshoppers loan.

Sassuolo may be looking in the wrong area

The Neroverdi, who finished 12th last term, could be considered as looking at the wrong type of player with two departures in the forward department heavily rumoured.

Domenico Berardi is currently caught up in a tug of war between Juventus and Sassuolo who're battle over who will have 100% rights of the player as the co-ownership deal expires this summer and becomes a thing of the past in Italian football entirely. Berardi's strike partner, Simone Zaza is also subject to interest from the Champions who've already added Palermo's Paulo Dybala to their ranks ahead of the 2015/16 season.

Zaza's agent, Christian Maifredi confirmed talks between the two clubs and is "80-90% sure" his client "will play for Juventus."

Sassuolo have been linked with Giampaolo Pazzini recently whose contract at AC Milan expires at the end of the month.

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Cammy Anderson
Calcio-editor-in-chief Email: [email protected]