Rumors of Vincenzo Nibali's move to Ineos Grenadier have been given some leeway by his agent.

Nibali is under contract with Trek-Segafredo through 2021, but Italian television journalist Beppe Conti recently reported that Nibali, a four-time Grand Tour winner, has received an offer from a British team for 2022.

Nibali's agent, Alex Carrera, initially denied the report, claiming that he was not negotiating with Dave Brailsford's team.

However, when the Spanish newspaper Marca (opens in new tab) touched on the subject this week, Carrera reacted somewhat differently.

"Nibali's move to Ineos is complicated, but anything is possible in the cycling transfer market," Carrera said.

"It is difficult, but not impossible."

Initial reports of a possible transfer cited the influence of Pinarello, the Italian bicycle brand used by Ineos Grenadier, and suggested that Nibali, now 36, could step into a leadership role.

"Nibali began his racing career riding Pinarello with Fassa Bortolo, but will finish his career with Pinarello, joining team Grand Tour riders Eoghan Bernal, Tao Goegagan Hart, Richard Carapas, and Ineos in 2022. I will be a mentor to Alexandre Vlasov, who will join Ineos in 2022," Conti said at RAI.

"With (Chris) Froome gone from the team, we need a leader to guide the young players. I've heard there have been some important offers. Everything is still up in the air, but let's see how Nibali reacts."

In response to this report, Carrera told Cycling News, "I have not spoken to Ineos about anything. Vincenzo still has to decide his future, but he said he would meet with Trek-Segafredo's team management in the New Year to discuss it. Only if I can't reach an agreement with them will I consider other options or other offers."

Nibali had planned to retire at the end of 2021, but the COVID-19 craze gave him time to think, and he hinted at racing in 2022.

The Italian, winner of all three Grand Tours and Milan-San Remo and Il Lombardia, turned 36 in November and spoke of a "generational change" at the Giro d'Italia, where he finished seventh overall. But he is still committed to fighting for victory and is likely to lead Trek-Segafredo with Bauke Mollema and Giulio Ciccone.

"Whatever the keyboard warriors write, I am not old enough to be brushed aside," he recently told La Gazzetta dello Sport. What matters is your desire and the pleasure you get from riding a bike."