game over............so sad
Juve pull plug on Mascherano
Juventus have revealed that they have given up their chase for West Ham's Javier Mascherano.
Juve's sporting director Alessio Secco admits the club have had to wash their hands of the move as it proved too complicated.
Coach Didier Deschamps has admitted his desire to land the Argentine, who has failed to establish himself in England since moving to Upton Park in August.
Despite failing to hit the heights that have been expected of him, a number of clubs are still being linked with the 22-year-old and Juve were heading the chase.
However, with Mascherano owned by investment group MSI - the move is not as simple as most and that would seem to have scuppered Juve's bid.
"That [Mascherano deal] will not be possible," Secco explained to La Stampa.
"We have pursued this until the day the market opened, but we have had to renounce because of the complicated contract situation."
Juventus are just one point off top spot in Serie B as they look to bounce back to the top-flight at the first time of asking and Secco suggests that they will not be looking to make many moves this month.
"We have the idea of loaning [Tomas] Guzman and perhaps [Paolo] De Ceglie - but other than that nothing will happen," he said.
David Trezeguet is one of the stars that stayed with Juve in the summer despite their relegation and Secco admits the Frenchman is not too keen to talk about a fresh contract.
"With David we are already speaking, but he wants to see what Juve will be next season," he said.
"We may need to give him more time than others, but we will offer all a contract extension."
Unlike Trezeguet, Gianluigi Buffon, Mauro Camoranesi and Alessandro Del Piero look set to sign new deals before Juve's fate is decided.
"For them [Buffon and Camoranesi] they have enough optimism to sit and speak now," he continued.
"I believe Buffon has already accepted that he will respect his current contract which expires in 2011 and also the same with Camoranesi.
"Alex was the first one to accept us in Serie B and therefore we recognise that part but we will look at the issue of the future with him."
Secco also suggested that Czech veteran Pavel Nedved could continue with the Bianconeri next term.
"Like with Del Piero, Pavel is a case apart, he is attached to this squad and the club and is a special case and we will treat him in such a way," Secco added.
"It is true that his contract will expire in 2008 but he could stop this season but I believe he will continue and return."