Juventus general manager Jean-Claude Blanc is still confident of signing Xabi Alonso despite Liverpool reportedly holding out for a higher transfer fee.
The Spanish playmaker's move to Italy had been expected to be sealed on Monday but talks have stalled, with Liverpool said to be demanding 20 million euros (£15.75million) - two million more than Juve's offer.
Blanc still believes Alonso, currently at Euro 2008, will be at the Stadio Olimpico next season, but claims the Bianconeri also have their eye on other midfielders.
"We're following more than three footballers," Blanc told Sky Italia. "And we'll see if what you read in the papers comes true or the other names we're working on.
"Xabi Alonso? It's an operation that we're taking forward and we'll compare him to other deals which could be done.
"We're looking for a very talented midfielder - there's not many of those around and some of them aren't available. We have to talk first with the club and then with the player.
That was unwise from Alonso to say those things, that would be wiser to keep his mouth shut.
He probably knows smth we dont, the increasing speculation on other midfielders and the assurance of Blanc, that we will only buy one more,
indicate that there is smth wrong with this transfer.
I suspect its a tactic to show everyone we have other choices, so that we dont end up overpaying one of them. About time from our managers to learn that game...
That was unwise from Alonso to say those things, that would be wiser to keep his mouth shut.
He probably knows smth we dont, the increasing speculation on other midfielders and the assurance of Blanc, that we will only buy one more,
indicate that there is smth wrong with this transfer.
I suspect its a tactic to show everyone we have other choices, so that we dont end up overpaying one of them. About time from our managers to learn that game...
he only said that he is a Liverpool player and still under contract
would it be wise to say you want out while you are under contract and end up staying because no deal was struck?