Michele Scarponi has been linked with a move to Cannondale but such a move would make a conflict with Ivan Basso as both riders are likely to target the Giro d'Italia. However, Basso would welcome the Lampre leader on his team.

Michele Scarponi is left without a contract for next season and earlier this week, his agent told Cyclingnews that he was currently considering a move to Astana, Cannondale or Europcar as well as contract offer from his current Lampre-Merida team. He is expected to make a decision in the nearest future after his season came to an end in yesterday's Giro dell'Emilia.

However, a move to Cannondale could cause a rivalry with Ivan Basso who is the current GC captain at that team. The team is likely to build their Tour de France squad around Peter Sagan and so Scarponi and Basso would both have to focus on the Giro and the Vuelta.

Nonetheless, Basso would welcome Scarponi as a teammate.

“Scarponi is a really good champion,” he told Cyclingnews ahead of the second stage of the Tour of Beijing. “Every good rider and champion is welcome in the team. Cannondale have been a top team in the world for many years, so the management know very well who is good to bring into the team to make it the best.”

Basso was rumoured to leave Cannondale to join Astana but confirmed at the Giro presentation that he expected to stay. The team has been linked with Tinkoff Bank as a potential sponsor for next season following owner Oleg Tinkov's fallout with the Saxo-Tinkoff but the Russian is a controversial figure who publicly has criticized Alberto Contador at his time with the Danish squad.

Basso was diplomatic when asked about the matter.

“I’m a rider, so I’m not in the management,” he said. “I think, at the moment, when a sponsor comes to cycling or into the team then they are welcome. Cycling is a fantastic sport and I think all of the sponsors coming in will help to make a fantastic sport for us and for all the people who love the sport.”

Basso is currently riding the Tour of Beijing where he is one of the favourites to take the overall win.