Torino chief reveals which club held talks over Belotti

Torino chairman Urbano Cairo says that he spoke with Real Madrid about Andrea Belotti’s release clause.

Belotti was one of the most coveted players in world football this past summer, earning admiring glances from Chelsea and Manchester United.

But his €100million release clause was thought to have dissuaded suitors from making an offer to Torino.

Belotti has five goals in nine games this season after scoring 28 in 38 last campaign, and his record soon caught the attentions of Real Madrid.

Cairo says that during a conversation with Real president Florentino Perez, Belotti’s release clause came up and Perez’s “ears perked up”.

“Belotti’s an exceptional guy and loved by everyone,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“He’s kept his feet on the ground and he’s humble, even though he has a €100million release clause on his shoulders.

“He needs to stay calm, he said he didn’t think about it at the time of his renewal. He scored 13 goals either side of last season, with and without a clause.

“I went to dinner with Florentino Perez and talked to him about the renewal of players with huge clauses.

“I mentioned Belotti and he didn’t know him, but I talked about shielding him with a €100million release clause. Aware of his clause, his ears perked up. If it had been for €20million, they wouldn’t have.”