Fiorentina's football director Daniele Prade said on Monday that his side will use their option to make Mohamed Salah's loan deal permanent, insisting that the player's future is down to him.

"We, at Fiorentina, have exercised our option," Prade was quoted as saying by football Italia.net. “The player has the right to choose, and hopefully it’ll be in our favour." 

"We want to keep him, and Salah will talk to the coach. His predisposition is to stay."

After a frustrating spell at Chelsea, Salah joined Fiorentina last January where he produced a string of fine displays, scoring nine goals in all competitions.

Salah's strong displays urged the Viola to use their option to keep the Egyptian player, who is chased by several Serie A sides.

The 22-year-old can block his move to Fiorentina, regardless of the option to extend the deal included in the contract between his home club Chelsea and the Viola.

 (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)