Juve add touch of Pepe
Tuesday 13 March, 2007
Juventus have stepped up their interest in signing Porto defender Pepe, according to the latest reports in Italy.
The Bianconeri are looking to strengthen their squad in view of their likely return to Serie A and the Brazilian, whose full name is Kleper Laveran Lima Ferreira, is high on Didier Deschamps’ wish list.
The Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport reports that Juve are ready to do battle with Chelsea, who are also interested in the ex-Corinthians stopper.
The South American is a key man in the Dragons’ defence and his performances this season have caught the eye of numerous top club scouts.
Pepe, who can play both as a centre-back or as a right-back, moved to Portugal in 2000 and joined Porto in 2004, where he replaced Ricardo Carvalho.
“I am contracted until 2009 and I want to focus on the current championship,” he said recently. “I will think about the rest afterwards, I don’t want any drop in concentration for now.”
Pepe, who could also become a target for struggling Real Madrid, is valued at a massive £14m by Porto.
Although Juventus have struggled financially since their demotion to Serie B, the Old Lady may be willing to make such a huge sacrifice.
Football Italia
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