Davids drops out Wednesday 28 August, 2002
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Edgar Davids may be heading for the Premiership after the Dutchman failed to turn up for the official Juventus team photograph.
The 29-year-old was not present at yesterday’s publicity junket in which players were presented with the new 2002-03 shirts.
His agent was spotted in Turin this week despite the fact his contract does not expire until 2004 and is not up for renegotiation.
It is also claimed that Davids does not figure in the official team photograph, fuelling long-standing rumours of a deep split between player and club.
The midfielder has been intent on leaving Turin for several months and already reached a verbal agreement with Fabio Capello’s Roma.
However, the Bianconeri have made it clear they do not intend to further reinforce one of their strongest Scudetto rivals.
The player was also offered to Lazio as part of their bid for Alessandro Nesta, but it is reported that the Biancocelesti again turned down this possibility this morning.
Should Davids leave the Stadio Delle Alpi, then the most likely destination would now be the Premiership.
Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have all shown interest in the former Milan man, but Sir Alex Ferguson’s men are clear favourites.
According to press reports in Italy, Man Utd would offer Paul Scholes – a favourite of Coach Marcello Lippi’s – as part of the move.
Should the Gunners have the upper hand, they would hand over an option on Swedish winger Freddie Ljundberg or Patrick Vieira.
Juventus are ready to let go of Davids now that several new midfielders – Davide Baiocco, Matteo Brighi and the confirmation of Igor Tudor’s move forward – can provide the team with solid cover in that area.
Davids has been with the Bianconeri since December 1997.
Channel4.com

:frown::down: