9:15 AM
By Agence France-Presse
Bologna president Claudio Sabatini says he is hopeful a deal can be worked out to bring NBA star Kobe Bryant to Italy despite the two parties remaining a way apart over economic matters.
Bologna have made an offer to the 33-year-old in the hope of bringing him to the club either for a handful of matches or for the whole season should the NBA lock-out continue.
And while Sabatini acknowledges their original offer was some way off Bryant's financial expectations, he believes a deal can be reached.
"We were also working on this last night, there was a positive exchange with his agent," Sabatini told SkySport.
"There are differences to overcome but we want to tie-up this contract."
Bryant spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport and gave encouraging signs as to his interest in such a move.
"It's very possible, it would be a dream for me. There's an opportunity and we're talking about it at the moment," said Bryant.
"It's very possible and that's good news for me.
"Italy is my home, it's where my dream of playing in the NBA was born.
"It's here that I learnt the fundamentals, I learnt to shoot, to pass, to move without the ball.
"These were all things that on my return to America the kids my age didn't know how to do because they were concentrating only on jumping and dunking."
Bryant spent eight formative years in Italy while his father played over here following the end of his own NBA career with the Houston Rockets.
Bryant speaks fluent Italian and says he wants to buy a house in the country.
But it is his stated ambition to play in Italy that has pleased Sabatini.
"I want to thank Kobe for his words, he showed he's a champion off as well as on the court," said Sabatini.
"We've made a huge offer, there's still a big difference but we're ready to approach his economic demands because it would add value to the whole country.
"Everyone agrees that Bryant's arrival would give confidence to and provide a huge boost to Italian basketball.
"The championship starts on October 9. We're hoping for a reply which will be close to a precise proposal with a contract that requires just the signatures from both parties."
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