Italian champions Climamio Bologna are trying to convince captain Gianluca Basile to remain at the club.

The Italian international has received an offer from Liga ACB club Barcelona and is considering moving to Spain after five seasons and two Scudetti with Bologna.

The 1.90m tall shooting guard has revealed that he is looking for a new challenge and it is clear why Barca are keen to acquire him.

		“	You cannot talk about Fortitudo without mentioning Basile and vice-versa, they have become one	„
		Teo Alibegovic

Basile has proved his worth for club and country, guiding Fortitudo to the Scudetto last season and helping Italy clinch the silver medal at the Olympics in Athens and the bronze medal at the 2003 EuroBasket.

"His idea is to leave the club in order to find a new challenge," admitted Bologna's general manager Teo Alibegovic on the club's official website, www.fortitudo.it.

"He says that the financial side is only secondary.

"He wants to try something new because he knows this will be the last contract he signs."

The departure of the 30-year-old would be a big blow for coach Jasmin Repesa, with the experienced Basile considered an icon for the Bologna fans.

"It's difficult to imagine a Fortitudo side without him," said Alibegovic.

"You cannot talk about Fortitudo without mentioning Basile and vice-versa, they have become one.

"It would certainly be a bitter blow."

However, Bologna would allow the player, who is under-contract with the club until 2006, to leave.

"I don't like to force someone to do something they don't want to do," added Alibegovic.

"I can at least try to convince him to want the same things but he has to take that decision."