Udinese have opened talks with Sassuolo for striker Leonardo Pavoletti.

Udinese coach Andrea Stramaccioni is eager to strengthen his attacking options this month and rates Pavoletti highly.

Contact was made over the weekend between the two clubs and talks will be kickoff in earnest today.

Pavoletti is also a target for Leeds United, but the prospect of playing for Stramaccioni is attractive to the experienced centre-forward.

Leeds had hoped to take Pavoletti on-loan and even had the Italian tour their facilities in Yorkshire before Christmas.