Mascherano linked with Juventus
(REUTERS)
Written by: Chris Nixon
TURIN, Oct 5 (SW) West Ham United's Argentinean recruit Javier Mascherano is being linked with a move to fallen giants Juventus.
The midfielder has struggled at Upton Park, along with compatriot Carlos Tevez, following a shock move to The Hammers on deadline day at the end of August.
Juventus manager Didier Deschamps has admitted that the club tried to sign an un-named midfielder before the transfer deadline, only for this player to end up in England.
We tried to sign a midfielder who is now playing in England and we still hope he will arrive in January, said the Bianconeri tactician.
If the player that Deschamps is talking about is indeed Mascherano, then Juventus officials are sure to be disappointed.
FIFA have introduced a ruling which prevents players from moving countries twice in the one season, therefore preventing a move to take place as early as January given that Mascherano arrived in England from Brazil this campaign.
Any proposed move could depend on the success of investment group MSI taking over at West Ham, with takeover talks ongoing.