|
|
Thursday 18 January, 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reports in Italy are suggesting that Juventus are close to signing Barcelona ace Javier Saviola, who could join the outfit in June.
According to fellow Argentine Andres D’Alessandro, the 25-year-old has been in contact with the Bianconeri, who hope to net the striker on a free transfer when his deal expires this summer.
Coach Didier Deschamps is a big fan of Saviola, as he already worked with him at Monaco two seasons ago, when he scored eight goals in 29 matches during his loan spell in the Principality.
Dubbed ‘El Conejo’ – the Rabbit – by his fans, Saviola made his debut with Argentine side River Plate at the age of 16 and was voted as the 1999 South American Footballer of the Year.
The striker then starred in the 2001 edition of the World Youth Cup in Argentina, where he was voted player of the tournament and became the top scorer of the competition with 11 goals.
He then joined Barcelona in 2001 and returned to the Camp Nou last summer, after loan spells at Monaco and Sevilla, where he won the 2005-06 UEFA Cup.
Saviola, who just returned to action after an injury, has stated in the past that he was keen on staying at Barcelona, who are considering the idea of renewing his contract.
Juventus are strengthening their squad in view of the return to Serie A and have signed Zdenek Grygera of Ajax and Hasan Salhamidzic of Bayern Munich, who will join the Turin outfit in June. |
|