In other news:
Tavano to join Cassano? Wednesday 4 January, 2006
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Real Madrid have just completed the signing of Antonio Cassano, but admit they are interested in adding Empoli’s Francesco Tavano to their Italian contingent.
“Tavano is a world class player,” noted Real transfer consultant Ernesto Bronzetti. “The club likes him and we are following his progress carefully.”
The 26-year-old has hit the headlines this season with nine goals in 17 games and had already excelled by helping Empoli to promotion from Serie B with 19 strikes.
Compared with Enrico Chiesa and Pippo Inzaghi for his style of play, Tavano could become the third Italian to wear the Merengues jersey after Cassano and Christian Panucci. However, he has also received interest from Inter, Juventus, Roma and Milan.
The Rossoneri could push for a new striker if Christian Vieri confirms reports he’ll leave the San Siro this month. The centre-forward has been linked with Atletico Madrid and Sampdoria.
“It’s fantasy football,” assured Samp director Giuseppe Marotta. “We will do something to resolve problems in certain areas of the team, but nothing particularly shocking. I can also say that there is only a five per cent chance that Lecce’s Lorenzo Stovini will join us in January.”
The Blucerchiati will be without hitman Emiliano Bonazzoli for five months after he underwent knee surgery this week and saw Marco Borriello join Treviso on loan.
Meanwhile, Lecce have announced that they have signed forward Luca Saudati on loan from Serie B side Atalanta. It is a reunion with Coach Silvio Baldini, who already worked with him at Empoli.
Channel4.com
You think Cassano is already a surplus at the team.
Boy, Real haven't learned much during the past years, reminds me of Inter.