Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo claims to have turned down a 35million euro offer for sought-after Chile winger Alexis Sanchez.
Udinese will play in the Champions League preliminary stages next season after securing fourth place in the Italian league with Sunday's goalless draw against AC Milan.
Sanchez has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League, with several clubs, including the two Manchester clubs, reportedly keen to acquire the 22-year-old's services this summer.
"For me Sanchez is worth the same as (Lionel) Messi," Pozzo said.
"It's difficult to find other players of his level.
"Only two or three players are born like him in a given generation.
"We have an offer of 35million euros which we have turned down. I do not want to name the club, out of respect.
"Sanchez is young and we would like him to stay for another year.
"Besides, we believe he is worth much more."
Sanchez, who scored 12 goals in 31 league appearances for Udinese this season, is under contract with the Friuli side until June 2014.
