Davids holding out for Roma move? Tuesday 12 August, 2003
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Juve’s new President has told Edgar Davids he is free to leave, but the player is resisting Premiership offers to aim for Roma.
The Dutchman has refused to extend his contract in the hope he can leave on a free next summer, but new President Franzo Grande Stevens has made the situation clear.
“Davids is a great player,” said the chief, “and I’d prefer it if he agreed a new deal and ended his career with us."
"But if he wants to leave then he can. Stephan Appiah is a more than adequate replacement.”
The Turin side was hoping to cash in on the former Ajax hero with an £8m offer from Chelsea, but Davids always refused overseas options.
It is now reported the reason behind this attitude is a basic agreement to join Roma on a free transfer next summer.
Davids almost joined the Giallorossi last season, but the negotiations failed when President Franco Sensi refused to meet the £10m price-tag.
Coach Fabio Capello and captain Francesco Totti have both publicly named the Juve man as their main target to reinforce the squad.
With the risk of losing any cash from his departure in 12 months’ time, Juventus may well bow down and accept a greatly reduced bid from their bitter Serie A rivals.
This would then allow Roma to release Brazilian midfielder Emerson to Chelsea or Barcelona, also bringing in fresh funds for a new striker.
Meanwhile, Juventus chief Grande Stevens, who took over following the untimely death of President Vittorio Chiusano this month, also looked to the future.
“Our dream buy is Dejan Stankovic,” he revealed. “The Lazio midfielder is a magnificent prospect.”
:frown::down:
