Lampard - Ranieri's gift to Juve Sunday 3 June, 2007
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The Italian media claims Claudio Ranieri will be unveiled as the next Juventus Coach within 48 hours, bringing Frank Lampard and Momo Sissoko with him.
After freeing himself from his ties with both Parma and Manchester City, the tactician flew back to Italy this weekend and is set for a final meeting with director Jean-Claude Blanc.
The only stumbling block at the moment appears to be the length of the contract, as he has requested a multi-year deal and the Bianconeri look set to settle on two seasons with an option for a third.
Following Didier Deschamps’ resignation and the club’s promotion back into Serie A post-Calciopoli, the club is rebuilding for the future and aims to be immediately competitive.
Ranieri’s arrival would not only reassure the top stars, such as Gianluigi Buffon and Pavel Nedved, to stay on in Turin, but also tempt Premiership figures to the side.
Above all the Italian Press is insistent that Lampard will follow his former Chelsea boss to Serie A after contract negotiations with the Stamford Bridge club faltered.
Lampard’s career was revitalised by Ranieri’s management in 2001, transforming him into one of Europe’s top midfielders.
It is not just the tactician’s presence that sparked this link, as all season we have seen reports emerging that Juventus were interested in making a bid for the England international.
He could extricate himself from his contract, which lasts until 2009, with the help of a new UEFA ruling for just £9m.
Another bonus with Ranieri would be to intensify the already existing negotiations with Liverpool for midfielder Sissoko.
Discussing a potential £12m transfer to Turin, the player has already worked with Ranieri during their time at Valencia.