Rossi: Still recovering from knee surgery

Rossi, who is currently recovering from a knee operation, has been linked with a return to Serie A for some time.

Roma, Juventus, Napoli and Inter Milan were reportedly keen to acquire the 25-year-old's services before Rossi suffered a recurrence of a cruciate injury in his right knee back in April.

The former Manchester United player is expected to return to play in January 2013.

"Roma had shown an interest in Giuseppe Rossi," Rossi's agent Federico Pastorello told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"However, negotiations have proved more difficult since the player's injury.

"Talks will re-open once Giuseppe returns to play."

Rossi is under contract with Spanish side Villarreal until June 2016. Villarreal were relegated to the Segunda Division last month.