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| Saviola opens Juve door |
Friday 16 March, 2007 |
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Juventus target Javier Saviola has admitted that his future may be away from Barcelona and La Liga.
The Argentine’s contract with the Camp Nou outfit expires in the summer
and his Bosman status has attracted the interest of numerous clubs.
“I haven’t signed a new contract with anyone and the chances of me staying at Barcelona are 50-50,” said Saviola.
“Where would I go if I were to leave? I don’t know yet, but it wouldn’t
be a problem for me to leave La Liga and move abroad,” added the South
American.
Financially struggling Juventus are keen on free buys and have been
heavily paired with Saviola over the past few months.
Bianconeri tactician Didier Deschamps is also a massive fan of El
Conejo, whom he bossed at Monaco two seasons ago.
Saviola is a contender to replace Valeri Bojinov in the Bianconeri
squad, who seems set to return to Fiorentina after struggling during
his loan spell.
Valencia, Real Madrid and Villarreal have also been associated with the
25-year-old, who has admirers in the Premiership too. |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Zigic in fresh Juve link |
Friday 16 March, 2007 |
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Juventus have stepped up their interest in signing Racing Santander forward Nikola Zigic during the summer.
The latter was already linked with the Turin giants last July, but he
moved to Santander instead after netting 55 goals in 77 games for one
time European champions Red Star Belgrade.
Despite signing a contract with the Spanish outfit until 2010, the Old
Lady of Italian football have renewed their attention in his services.
“Nikola can still improve a lot, but already is an excellent player,”
said his former Red Star Coach Walter Zenga. “He would be a good
signing if an Italian club were to contract him.”
Zigic has admitted that he would be happy to play in Serie A at some
stage of his career and is flattered by Juve’s interest in him.
“I know that they are following me,” he declared. “Am I happy? Who wouldn’t want to play for Juventus?”
Racing have denied reports that there are negotiations underway with
the Bianconeri, but have admitted that they would be willing to
consider offers for Zigic.
“We have not received any official bids, but we are aware that Nikola
is being followed by many,” declared a club spokesman.
“If we were to receive any interesting offers then we would be ready to discuss them.” |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Juve meet Lampard agent |
Friday 16 March, 2007 |
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Juventus are again being linked with a move for Chelsea’s Frank Lampard after his agent held talks with Italian officials.
Both sporting director Alessio Secco (pictured) and transfer consultant
Roberto Bettega were pictured with Lampard’s representative Steve
Kutner, which understandably fuelled talk that Juve had entered the
race to sign him.
However, despite the Italian giants insisting they will spend over the
summer, the 28-year-old is an unlikely capture.
“Roberto and I have been good friends since Juve tried to sign Paul Ince before he went to Inter,” said Kutner.
“He has come over to London to attend a series of meetings I have
arranged with Premiership clubs regarding potential transfer deals and
collaborations, there is no other agenda.”
Although Lampard’s future is still in doubt given that he could
potentially leave the Stamford Bridge club for just £8m because of a
FIFA ruling, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also keen.
The Old Lady may also struggle to cover the English international’s
salary and the prospect of not playing Champions League football in
Turin next season would also be problematic.
Instead, Football Italia understands that the Serie B club are in England in an attempt to try to sell some of their own players.
Striker Marcelo Zalayeta and defender Robert Kovac are just two names who Juve are hoping to cash in on.
However, La Vecchia Signora may also use their London visit to make
contact with Arsenal over the availability of Gilberto Silva. |
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| Almiron approached by Juve |
Friday 16 March, 2007 |
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Empoli President Fabrizio Corsi has admitted that Juventus have made an enquiry over Sergio Almiron.
The midfielder, who has been a key figure in the Tuscan side’s tactical
system over the last two years, is highly regarded by several major
clubs, but Corsi insists that the Bianconeri are in pole position.
“So far, Juventus are the only club that has officially expressed an
interest in the player,” said the chief to Violagol.
Fiorentina have also been heavily associated with the Argentine ace,
but Corsi insists he’s unaware of the Viola’s intentions.
“There has been no official contact or any negotiation with them,”
added Corsi. “However, the Press sometimes has different sources and
might know things that the clubs are not informed of.”
Almiron is also a reported target for the likes of Milan and Inter, who
his agent Claudio Vagheggi claims would be the 26-year-old’s preferred
destination. |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Juve "dream of Gerrard" |
Friday 16 March, 2007 |
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Juventus
director Alessio Secco has confirmed Steven Gerrard is a prime target,
but warned Liverpool would not release him easily.
The
Bianconeri have been heavily linked with the England midfielder for
some months, but hit the headlines all over again when Secco and
transfer consultant Roberto Bettega were pictured on British soil.
“We have been in London since the day before yesterday, but we are not here to buy,” assured Secco in ‘Tuttosport.’
“A
club must also look after its rapport with other sides. Gerrard is a
phenomenon, but I doubt Liverpool would be so crazy as to sell him. I
consider him a dream signing.”
Nonetheless,
this would be the right time for Juve to lay the groundwork for a
summer bid, as this week the club increased the capital to the tune of
£70m – news that was greeted with a round of applause from the squad.
“It
is a strong signal from both sides. Those who perhaps had a few doubts
on whether to stay or not will now have less, or even none at all,”
continued Secco.
“I’m
not just referring to Gianluigi Buffon, but also David Trezeguet, Mauro
Camoranesi, Alessandro Del Piero, Jonathan Zebina, Pavel Nedved and
basically everybody. It is important that our top class players stay
and are joined by other great stars that can help us raise the quality
of this team.”
However, the sporting director confirmed that Trezeguet is unlikely to change his mind after seven years in Turin.
“We
are working on finding a centre-forward up to his standard, even if it
is not at all easy to replace someone like David. Our preference, not
only for the striker role, is to go for Italian players. Luca Toni will
not come, though. He said he’s happy in Florence and we respect his
wishes.”
Juventus
also need to reinforce their defence after some worrying performances
at the back this season and have been linked with Porto’s Brazilian man
Pepe.
“Pepe
is one of the most talented out there and we like him a lot. Luisao
isn’t bad either, but he gives away a few too many free kicks. The
advantage there is that we still have to resolve Fabrizio Miccoli’s
position with Benfica,” he noted of the Italian international on loan.
“The
German path has been blocked off, so Christoph Metzelder and Per
Mertesacker are no longer on the agenda. Andrea Barzagli is the best
Italian alternative, although Walter Samuel was purely a rumour
invented by the Press.” |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Palladino living the dream |
Saturday 17 March, 2007 |
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Juventus starlet Raffaele Palladino says it’s a dream come true to play alongside his childhood hero Alessandro Del Piero.
“Playing
for this club has been a dream I have held within me since I was a
little boy. I wished so hard to one day be able to work with such a
great champion as Del Piero and now I’m doing it,” beamed the Under-21
international.
“As
a kid I had two posters on my wall, of Del Piero and Zinedine Zidane. I
remember the Del Piero one most fondly, as I never got the chance to
meet the Frenchman.
“When
I joined Juventus and got to have my first training session with Ale, I
was so emotional. He gave me some great advice, as he is a wonderful
man off the field as well as a champion on it.”
The
two players combined last week for Palladino’s winner in the
hard-fought 1-0 victory over Treviso, as Del Piero took a free kick
quickly to catch the defence unawares.
“I
called for the ball as I was clear, but all the credit for the goal
goes to Del Piero. It was a wonderful feeling to score. I should have
given him the assist instead, as we all want him to be crowned Serie B
Capocannoniere.”
Palladino
had been on loan to Livorno last season, but upon their demotion in the
Calciopoli scandal, Juve recalled the young talent.
“I
had received an offer from Udinese this summer, but my objective is to
try to make a name for myself at Juventus and stay here as long as
possible,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
He has earned praise from World Cup winning Coach Marcello Lippi, who compared the Azzurrini man with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“Lippi
gave me a lot of useful advice. When he talked about me it was very
moving, as I never thought such a great Coach could single me out.” |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Nedved has Deschamps doubts |
Saturday 17 March, 2007 |
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Juventus have confirmed Didier Deschamps will be the Coach next season, but Pavel Nedved warns he isn’t so sure.
“The
club confirmed Deschamps? I didn’t know,” said the 2003 Ballon d’Or
winner. “This is not the time for renewals and decisions. If we were to
fail in reaching our objective, I don’t know what would happen.”
The
former Monaco boss is increasingly unpopular both within the squad and
with the fans following a dip in form recently, even though Juve still
lead the Serie B table. There are also tactical disagreements with
Nedved.
“I
try to enjoy myself on the field, but it is not always possible. I like
playing in a more central position, but against such closed off
defences it is tough to find space, so the Coach sends me out wide.”
Some players are staying away from interviews with the media, raising further suspicions.
“Everyone
thinks with their own mind, but I don’t believe it is right to expect
players to talk all the time. They have to focus on what’s happening on
the field and I get the feeling we are all a little tired of being
asked about nothing but transfer gossip.”
Nedved
was one of the stars who elected to stay in Turin even after the summer
demotion, but his permanence depends on their ability to create a
strong squad for next season – boosted by the £71m increase in capital
this week.
“I
am happy with what the club has done. It is a sign that the owners are
close to this side and really care about Juventus, so when it was
announced the players all joined in a spontaneous round of applause.
“As
for my future, there is time to decide. Right now we must concentrate
on playing well and getting back into Serie A. Our objectives for this
season have not changed, as we have to keep our heads down and maintain
our momentum.”
Nedved
had suggested he was going to retire after the 2006 World Cup, but
stayed on another year to help Juve. What will he do next term?
“Every
end of season I look at the pros and cons. Up until now the positive
aspects have always had the upper hand, like my desire to play football
and the motivation to improve. I still have another year on my contract
and want to do everything I can to respect it,” explained the
35-year-old.
“I
am happy to hear that I am considered an example, especially if the
Coach is the one saying it. I am the oldest in this squad and feel it
is my duty to help the youngsters grow and find the right path to their
objectives.” |
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