Emery: Spartak Moscow cannot meet Melo's wage demands

Jul 25, 2012 6:00:00 PM

The former Valencia boss freely admits that he would like to be reunited with a player he worked with at Almeria but he insists that the deal is simply not feasible

Spartak Moscow boss Unai Emery has dismissed a report that the club are keen on signing Felipe Melo, revealing that they are not in a position to meet the Brazilian's wage demands.

The Juventus midfielder had hoped to seal a move to Galatasaray, having spent last season on loan in Istanbul, but talks between the two clubs broke down.

It was then claimed that Spartak were poised to pounce but Emery insists that there is no chance of Melo, whom he coached during his time in charge of Almeria, ending up in the Russian capital.

"It's a lie," the former Valencia boss told TuttoJuve.com. "I absolutely deny the news of Spartak Moscow's interest in Felipe Melo. We can not guarantee him a certain kind of wage.

"I know him well and I will say that is a good player, but if Spartak can not afford his wages, the discussion ends there.

"Even if this was [Lionel] Messi, I'd like him, but I know that it is not feasible."

Meanwhile, Emery admitted that he remains disappointed that Spartak were unable to seal a deal for Cagliari centre-half Davide Astori.

"[It's] a real shame, because he is a good defender," the 40-year-old Spaniard lamented. "Unfortunately, he bailed at the last minutes because, ultimately, he did not want to come here."

Emery was confirmed as Spartak boss for the next two seasons shortly after parting company with Valencia in May.

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