Juve "dream of Gerrard" Friday 16 March, 2007
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Juventus director Alessio Secco has confirmed Steven Gerrard is a prime target, but warned Liverpool would not release him easily.
The Bianconeri have been heavily linked with the England midfielder for some months, but hit the headlines all over again when Secco and transfer consultant Roberto Bettega were pictured on British soil.
“We have been in London since the day before yesterday, but we are not here to buy,” assured Secco in 'Tuttosport.’
“A club must also look after its rapport with other sides. Gerrard is a phenomenon, but I doubt Liverpool would be so crazy as to sell him. I consider him a dream signing.”
Nonetheless, this would be the right time for Juve to lay the groundwork for a summer bid, as this week the club increased the capital to the tune of £70m – news that was greeted with a round of applause from the squad.
“It is a strong signal from both sides. Those who perhaps had a few doubts on whether to stay or not will now have less, or even none at all,” continued Secco.
“I’m not just referring to Gianluigi Buffon, but also David Trezeguet, Mauro Camoranesi, Alessandro Del Piero, Jonathan Zebina, Pavel Nedved and basically everybody. It is important that our top class players stay and are joined by other great stars that can help us raise the quality of this team.”
However, the sporting director confirmed that Trezeguet is unlikely to change his mind after seven years in Turin.
“We are working on finding a centre-forward up to his standard, even if it is not at all easy to replace someone like David. Our preference, not only for the striker role, is to go for Italian players. Luca Toni will not come, though. He said he’s happy in Florence and we respect his wishes.”
Juventus also need to reinforce their defence after some worrying performances at the back this season and have been linked with Porto’s Brazilian man Pepe.
“Pepe is one of the most talented out there and we like him a lot. Luisao isn’t bad either, but he gives away a few too many free kicks. The advantage there is that we still have to resolve Fabrizio Miccoli’s position with Benfica,” he noted of the Italian international on loan.
“The German path has been blocked off, so Christoph Metzelder and Per Mertesacker are no longer on the agenda. Andrea Barzagli is the best Italian alternative, although Walter Samuel was purely a rumour invented by the Press.”