Juventus in Huntelaar hunt
Friday 5 January, 2007
Juventus are monitoring the performances of Ajax ace Klaas Jan Huntelaar, agent Vincenzo Morabito has confirmed.
The Bianconeri are looking to strengthen their squad in view of their expected Serie A return and may need to replace David Trezeguet if the Frenchman were to leave Turin in June.
“Juventus are observing Huntelaar, although there has been no contact so far,” explained Morabito.
“He is one of the best strikers in Europe and can be considered as the new Ruud Van Nistelrooy,” continued the representative.
“I am sure he will leave Ajax sooner or later, but he is highly valued and we will have to see which club will be able to afford the fee needed to sign him.”
The Dutch international, 23, was signed by Ajax from Heerenveen for £6.4m and was the top scorer in the side which won last summer’s U-21 European Championship.
He was also the most lethal player in all the top European Divisions in the 2005-06 season, having netted 33 times.
Juventus have also been associated with 22-year-old Bordeaux midfielder Rio Mavuba, even if Morabito isn’t expecting the Old Lady to be that active on the foreign market.
“He is one of the most promising talents in the French championship, but Juventus are also very careful when it comes to the Italian scene,” he added.
“From what I know, both Andrea Barzagli of Palermo and Michele Canini of Cagliari could be part of the Bianconeri’s future plans.”
Juventus are being forced to build a competitive side in view of next season, as several key players – Gianluigi Buffon, Mauro Camoranesi and Trezeguet – have threatened to leave if they can’t fight for major honours.
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surely this has got to be a smoke screen for peter crouch.