'Superagent', Ernesto Bronzetti, has ruled AS Roma out of the running to sign unsettled Real Madrid hitman Ruud van Nistelrooy in January, as he does not believe they can afford his wage demands.

The Giallorossi have been linked with a number of strikers ahead of the month-long transfer window as they look to bolster their attacking options, including Van Nistelrooy, Adriano and Luca Toni.

However, Bronzetti, who i said to have close connections at the Stadio Olimpico, believes that of the three, Toni is the only player Claudio Ranieri could possibly afford.

"The only player that Roma can sign is Toni. As for Van Nistelrooy, the transfer is unlikely as he earns €6million per season. His contract is set to expire and he is looking for a two year deal," he told Teleradiostereo.

"Adriano? If he returns to Europe then he will be looking for big wages, but I don't think he will head back to Italy."

It was reported by Il Corriere Dello Sport on Wednesday that Roma were looking to cut their wage bill by €8.5million a year, by selling the likes of Brazilian trio Julio Baptista, Cicinho and Alex Doni.

The news will also be a blow to English suitors Blackburn, Liverpool and Arsenal, as all three would surely either struggle or be reluctant to pay such astronomical wages for the former Manchester United forward, who turns 34 in August.