Palermo midfielder Josip Ilicic has refused to rule out a summer move to the Premier League but revealed he favours staying in the Serie A.

The Slovenia international has eight goals and two assists to his name from 27 appearances for the relegation-threatened Italian club so far this season. Several English clubs, including Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, were all previously linked with the 25-year-old.

Josip Ilicic (L)
Reuters

"I don't know what will occur in June. The career of a footballer is short and moments arrive when you can change your life. Nevertheless, I'd like to remain in Italy," Sky Sports quoted Ilicic as saying.

The playmaker, who also has 22 senior international caps to his name, stated he rejected a move to Ukrainian side Dynamo Kiev in January to continue with Palermo.

"I received an offer from them but I said no because I wanted to fight and help Palermo stay in Serie A. For now I just want to end this season as well as possible and then we will see what happens," Ilicic stressed.

Juventus, Inter Milan, Roma and Sampdoria are also understood to be keen on Ilicic's services, with speculation suggesting the player could be sold in the summer if Palermo are relegated from Serie A.

Palermo had recently revealed they would make a decision on Ilicic's future only at the end of the season.

"Only once the campaign is over and we know the outcome will we evaluate the various offers. We know that Palermo have players of value who have personal ambitions, but today we are only thinking about safety and we can't allow our players to be distracted by transfer stories," said Palermo director Giorgio Perinetti.

"That is why we have put a stop to all negotiations about renewals or transfers. We'll listen to requests and potential bids from the end of May onwards," the Italian added.

Palermo are currently 18th in the Serie A table but level on points with 17th-placed Siena and 19th-placed Genoa.