Beaten Italian finalists Armani Jeans Milano have confirmed they are in talks with Italy international Massimo Bulleri.

The point guard, who this weekend announced his departure from his all-time club Benetton Treviso, is also a target of European giants Barcelona.

		Massimo Bulleri

"He is a player that we are following closely," said Natali.

"We hope that we can complete his transfer very soon because for us it would be a great move.

"He is a quality playmaker and he's Italian."

Bulleri was voted best player of Lega A this season by coaches and team captains and will be a leading player for his country this summer when they play at Eurobasket 2005 in Serbia & Montenegro

Armani Jeans knocked Bulleri and Benetton out of the play-offs at the semi-final stage.

Natali also offered reassurance to coach Lino Lardo by saying: "We intend to confirm many of our players.

"Dante Calabria has an ongoing contract for a further year and Joseph Blair recently extended his contract while Diego Fajardo, in spite of rumours, is not on sale and will be fundamental for us next year."

The only dilemma for Milano is whether the experienced Aleksandar Djordjevic, one of Serbia & Montenegro's most famous basketball players, will continue to play basketball.

Djordjevic announced after the finals that he is to retire.

"We are all hoping that he reconsiders," said Natali.

"We understand that he has his reasons.

"Now he is taking some time to rest and to consider what he really wants to do."