++ [ originally posted by Arif
] ++
Wednesday 9 June, 2004 |
Football Italia
Roma open Juve talks
Roma are reportedly ready to start talks with Juventus over the sale of star man Emerson.
The midfielder has agreed personal terms with the Bianconeri but the move has stalled as Roma would rather sell him elsewhere.
It’s understood that a fee has been agreed with Real Madrid but the player insists he only has eyes for Juventus.
The Giallorossi don’t have a great relationship with their great rivals but Emerson’s contract situation will force a sale.
The former Bayer Leverkusen ace only has a year left on his contract which means the club must sell or risk losing him for nothing next summer.
Given the fact that Emerson and his agent have repeatedly stated that they want a Juve move, Roma are set to negotiate a fee.
Real Madrid are believed to have offered £12m but the Turin giants are reportedly ready to only table an £8.5m bid.
However, it is suggested that the capital outfit could accept that figure if Juventus promise to withdraw from the race to sign Alberto Gilardino.
The Parma striker has been linked with both clubs and new Roma boss Cesare Prandelli is keen to have the player at his disposal again.
There is also the possibility that Juve could offer midfielder Manuele Blasi, who worked with Prandelli at Parma last term, as part of the deal too.