Juve eye van der Vaart swoop
by Paul Higham
Juventus are lining up a summer switch for Dutch maestro Rafael van der Vaart as a possible replacement for Pavel Nedved.
The Turin giants are bracing themselves for the possible departure of the Czech Republic star, who has been one of their best players throughout a disappointing season.
Should Nedved leave, Marcelo Lippi would opt for a swoop for Ajax's young star van der Vaart.
The 21-year-old is one of the hottest properties around Europe and is not expected to remain at the Amsterdam ArenA beyond the season.
"If after this season, the right offer was made to the club, then I would look at it," said van der Vaart.
"In the past, it has happened a lot with the young champions, from the immense Johan Cruyff to my friend van der Meyde.
"I will build up my experience by having a career at a large foreign club."
Van der Vaart's contract expires in 2006 but he has a clause which says he can leave this season if Ajax agree on a fee for him.
He has previously stated that he would love a move to Spain, where his mother was born, and especially Barcelona.
Juve would provide another option for him should an offer come in and he would then have to decide if he fancies plying his trade in Serie A.
by Paul Higham
Juventus are lining up a summer switch for Dutch maestro Rafael van der Vaart as a possible replacement for Pavel Nedved.
The Turin giants are bracing themselves for the possible departure of the Czech Republic star, who has been one of their best players throughout a disappointing season.
Should Nedved leave, Marcelo Lippi would opt for a swoop for Ajax's young star van der Vaart.
The 21-year-old is one of the hottest properties around Europe and is not expected to remain at the Amsterdam ArenA beyond the season.
"If after this season, the right offer was made to the club, then I would look at it," said van der Vaart.
"In the past, it has happened a lot with the young champions, from the immense Johan Cruyff to my friend van der Meyde.
"I will build up my experience by having a career at a large foreign club."
Van der Vaart's contract expires in 2006 but he has a clause which says he can leave this season if Ajax agree on a fee for him.
He has previously stated that he would love a move to Spain, where his mother was born, and especially Barcelona.
Juve would provide another option for him should an offer come in and he would then have to decide if he fancies plying his trade in Serie A.
