Sissoko given Juve go-ahead
Saturday 12 January, 2008
Rafa Benitez has given the all-clear for Momo Sissoko to join Juventus, but Tiago Mendes’ revival could put a spanner in the works.
All parties involved in the transfer have confirmed over the past few days that negotiations are at an advanced stage with an announcement expected imminently.
“I was talking with Momo about leaving a few times, and with his agent,” Coach Benitez told LiverpoolFC.tv.
“We know we have two or three clubs asking about him and we will try to find the best solution for him and for us.
“In a top side the competition is always really hard. We've brought in Lucas (Leiva) and with (Steven) Gerrard playing in the middle this year, plus (Xabi) Alonso and (Javier) Mascherano, he is under pressure.
“But he wants to play every game. We will try to find a solution for him because he is a nice boy.”
Ohhhhhh how sweeet
If Benitez is eager to reassure that relations with Sissoko have not soured, the midfielder is not taking the same position.
“Nobody is contesting that Gerrard should be a first choice, but when he prefers Mascherano or Xabi Alonso to me, then I see nothing but prejudice against me,” the Mali defender was quoted as saying in the Italian media.
“We went to Marseille for the Champions League and all my family was there, but he didn’t even let me on for a minute. This is why I want to leave Liverpool and join Juventus – Claudio Ranieri is a real gentleman.”
However, Ranieri could still put the brakes on Sissoko’s transfer despite requesting the player after they worked together at Valencia.
It is reported in this morning’s Italian newspapers that the Bianconeri are waiting to see if flop Tiago can deliver on his promise after the week of intensive training in Malta.
Ranieri commented he was very impressed with the Portuguese midfielder’s form after the Christmas break and noted how things he had previously found difficult suddenly seemed simple.
If Tiago does well against Catania this evening, it is possible the rush for Sissoko will have less momentum behind it.
On the other hand, a fine performance could also convince Tottenham to prepare a £9m offer for Tiago, giving Juve the cash needed to sign Sissoko immediately.