Juventus make Manchester City defender Micah Richards a £15m summer target

Manchester City star Micah Richards is a £15 million summer target for Italian giants Juventus, Goal.com can reveal.

The 22-year-old defender has enjoyed a superb season at Eastlands but could still find himself on the fringes of the squad next season if City are successful in their pursuit of Ajax full-back Gregory van der Wiel.

Richards wanted to join Tottenham last summer and is again ready to consider his future at the end of the season, when he will have two years left on his contract. City hope to convince the Birmingham-born defender to sign a new deal but the player wants to keep his options open.

Goal.com understands Juventus general manager Giuseppe Marotta made an enquiry for Richards in the January transfer window and is ready to return in the summer as the Serie A club look to solve their problem right-back position.

The 27-time Italian champions have previously been linked with Liverpool and England right-back Glen Johnson as well as Chelsea's Jose Bosingwa.

The England international is believed to be willing to listen to any proposal, although a switch to Turin could depend on who is in charge of Juventus, with coach Luigi Delneri expected to be sacked at the end of the season because the club are almost certain to miss out on qualification for next season's Champions League.

Richards made his City debut as a 17-year-old in 2005 but has struggled to fulfil his potential, despite impressing this season as the club look set to finish in the top four and qualify for next term's Champions League.

He has a poor relationship with City manager Roberto Mancini after the Italian singled him out for criticism last season, while he was also unsettled by the Eastlands club's failed pursuit of Barcelona star Daniel Alves.

Richards has been out of action for a month with a hamstring injury but is expected to return for the trip to Blackburn on Monday night.

Liverpool's Alberto Aquilani expresses desire to stay at Juventus

Italy international Alberto Aquilani has revealed that he's eager to make his stay at Juventus permanent this summer.

The playmaker joined Juventus on a one-year loan from Liverpool last summer and the Old Lady have the option to make the move permanent.

Aquilani was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport: "My situation is simple. It all depends on Juventus - if they want to, they can buy me without asking anyone's opinion.

"I would like to stay in Turin for a long time and win a lot. I want to be a protagonist in the new winning cycle that is opening up at Juventus. I have no doubt that Juve's project is a winner, they just need a little patience."

Aquilani went on to say that he's pleased to have shaken off his injury problems.

"I played with great continuity, without any particular problems," he said. "I finally removed the tag of me always being injured. I knew I was healthy, that I was just unlucky in the past, but in football people just want to label someone."

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish revealed earlier this week that there's a chance that Aquilani will return to Anfield Road this summer, but the 26-year-old seems to have set his sights on a definitive stay in Italy.

Nancy's Alfred N'Diaye on Juventus radar

Versatile midfielder Alfred N'Diaye has attracted the interest of Juventus with his good performances for Nancy in the past couple of months, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

The Old Lady are keen to add some more depth to their squad in the summer transfer window and sporting director Giuseppe Marotta reportedly considers the 21-year-old to be a useful addition to Juve's squad.

The holding midfielder, who can also play in defence, is a product of the Nancy youth academy and made his official debut for the French outfit in the 2007-08 campaign.

N'Diaye has made over 50 appearances for Nancy since making his first appearance and has already been capped at under-21 level for France.

Juventus have already seen N'Diaye live in action on more than occasion and will continue to monitor his progress in the closing stages of the season.

Michel Bastos would join Juventus whether they had qualified for the Champions League or not

The agent of Lyon star Michel Bastos has revealed that the Brazil international would be interested in joining Serie A side Juventus even if they failed to qualify for the Champions League.

The Turin giants are desperate to add Bastos to their ranks in the summer transfer window, but a number of recent reports suggested that the winger wouldn't be interested in a move to Italy if Juventus failed to reach the Champions League.

"Juventus do not need to be worried about these rumours. The prospect of playing in the Italian league and meeting teams such as Inter and AC Milan twice per year is more important for Michel than playing in the Champions League," Emmanuel de Kerchove told Tuttosport.

"It's just a matter of waiting for us now. The directors of both clubs have yet to talk. I don't expect there to be any problems though. Lyon has told us that they're willing to open talks and to cash in on Michel."

The 27-year-old winger joined Lyon from Lille in the summer of 2009 for a fee in the region of €18 million (£15.9m) and a bid of around €25m (£22m) could be needed to lure him to Juventus.

Juventus’ Alberto Aquilani insists he will know if he has Liverpool future ‘soon’

Juventus midfielder Alberto Aquilani says he is not focusing on his future at the moment, but admits he would like to extend his stay at the club.

The 26-year-old signed a season-long loan from Liverpool, but there has been recent discussion suggesting the midfielder may return to the Reds, as Juve refuse to meet the £14 million fee wanted by the English club.

Aquilani has been in good form this season, and has been rewarded with a recall to the Italy national team, recently playing against Slovenia and Ukraine.

"I have been playing well for a while," he told the club's official website. "The performances of the individual have been overshadowed by the club's results.

"But this Juventus side is maturing and getting better.

"I will know my future soon. For the moment, I aim to finish the season off well and will be giving it my all, as Juventus has given me a chance to return to Italy and regain the Azzurri jersey."

He added to il Corriere dello Sport: "There is a price fixed for Juve to acquire me at the end of the season.

"The club has to evaluate the situation but I would like to stay.

"It is thanks to the Bianconeri club that I have returned to the national team."

Aquilani is rated by the Castrol EDGE Rankings as the 245th best player currently plying his trade in one of the top five leagues in Europe.

Pepe: “All attentions to Catania”

“The championship will decide the verdict. Now, we’ll think about the game against Catania, and then we’ll see.” Simone Pepe continues to fight and relaunched the battle for the next matches. The clash against Fiorentina showed a solid Juventus performance, in spite of the result: “We didn’t play to our best, but we had an important chance with Bonucci at the beginning of the second half which could have changed the game, and we could have taken more advantage of some counter-attacks, as we did in Rome. Now we have to reverse our course again and return to winning ways.”

Analyzing the encounter from a tactical point of view, Pepe explained his pressing on Montolivo: “Riccardo is able to dictate the play very well. Firstly, we struggled to contain him, then we looked to mark him better because he could spread the play to Vargas and Behrami, thus causing us difficulties. Was Matri isolated up front? In these last games, playing with this system, we’ve obtained three victories and a draw, so obviously that’s not the case.”

William Gallas could have joined Juventus instead of Tottenham Hotspur last summer

William Gallas’ agent has revealed that the veteran French defender was set to join Juventus last summer but eventually decided to sign a contract with Tottenham Hotspur.
The former Arsenal centre-back was linked with a move to Turin in the summer of 2010 but the 33-year-old chose to remain in London, opting to play for the Gunners’ rivals Tottenham.
Gallas’ agent Etienne Mendy has now admitted his client did have the chance to play for the former Italian and European champions but personal problems forced him to remain in England.
“It’s true, last year before joining Tottenham he was going to sign for Juventus,” he told Tuttomercatoweb. “Then because of personal problems the deal fell through.
"I think that right now his arrival in Italy would be a little complicated, as there’s very little chance it could happen.
“He should stay with Tottenham, as he extended his contract with Spurs for two years and will probably end his career at White Hart Lane.”
Gallas’ deal with Spurs runs until the summer of 2013. He has featured in 22 Premier League matches so far this season and also played in eight Champions League games.

We want to keep Alberto Aquilani but Liverpool's price is high

Juventus have confirmed their interest in signing Alberto Aquilani permanently from Liverpool in the summer.
The Italian international has managed to hold down a regular first team place in Turin this season as the injury troubles that plagued his only year at Anfield haven’t resurfaced with the Serie A giants, making 29 appearances in the league so far.
The former Roma midfielder joined Juventus on loan last summer with the Turin side given the option to purchase him for a fee believed to be in the region of £15 million.
Juventus general manager Giuseppe Marotta has indicated the current asking price may be too expensive, but his side are eager to negotiate with Aquilani's parent club.
Speaking to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Marotta said: “We have a good rapport with Liverpool and we think we can reach an understanding.
"Alberto has proved to be an important player and we knew him already from his time at Roma.
"We have an option to buy his contract which is quite high for us, but we will soon try to find a solution with Liverpool."
So far this season, Aquilani has played 29 league matches, scoring on two occasions.

Luciano Moggi: If I were still Juventus director I would appoint Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini

Former Juventus director Luciano Moggi has admitted that he would appoint current Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini as manager if he still were at the club.

The Turin outfit have had another disappointing Serie A campaign, amid much fanfare after promising signs of a revolution last summer.

However, despite a fairly impressive start to the season, their form has deteriorated with bulk of the blame being put on the shoulders of coach Luigi Del Neri, who's position at the club is far from secure.

Subsequently, the disgraced transfer guru feels he has the solution to their problems.
"Mancini has done what many have done and has expressed his managerial concepts well," said Moggi to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.

"I do not have a great friendship with him, but we have spoke often. When you choose a coach, you go to watch their skill and Mancini would be fine. If they had an opportunity to take him to Juve? Yes, I would take him."

Moggi also spoke about another one of his former clubs Napoli. When asked about their chances of success this season, he gave a blunt response.

Juventus chief Giuseppe Marotta confirms interest in signing Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez and reveals Chelsea's 'concrete move' for Neymar

Juventus are interested in signing Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, the club's director general confirmed today whilst revealing that Chelsea had made a 'concrete move' for Brazil star Neymar.

The club's transfer policy chief hailed the South American pair as 'excellent players' and said they topped a list of summer targets by the Turin giants.

"They [Tevez and Neymar] are two excellent players who we would like to have, but every team around the world wants them," Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

"Apart from the fascinating aspect, these are economic operations which are not easy. Plus, we know Chelsea have made a concrete move for Neymar."

Meanwhile, Moratta insisted that Juventus are confident of concluding a permanent deal for Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani. The Italian midfielder is currently on loan at the Serie A side having suffered an injury ravaged first season at Anfield.

"We have an excellent relationship with Liverpool," he added. "We think we can find an agreement."

"He [Aquilani] is a great player and there is a right to buy, not obligation, which is high. We want to optimise a deal. We will meet them to reach a conclusion."

Turin legend Alessandro Del Piero, whose current deal expires in June, is also set to sign a new deal with the club, and Moratta feels it is just a matter of time before the negotiations are finalised.

"I will stick to the facts. [President Andrea] Agnelli has talked to him and they have found an agreement. We just need to sign the paperwork."

Palermo's Abel Hernandez attracts Juventus interest

Abel Hernandez could be on his way out of Palermo at the end of the season as struggling giants Juventus have expressed an interest in signing the forward, La Gazzetta dello Sport comments.

Juve are desperate to strengthen their front line in the summer transfer window and sporting director Giuseppe Marotta reportedly considers the 20-year-old to be the perfect signing.

Hernandez started his career with Central Espanol and also wore the jersey of Penarol before moving to Europe in January 2009.

The Uruguay international has since developed into an important first-team member at Palermo and his good performances at the Sicilian side have attracted attention from Turin.

Juventus face stiff competition in the race for Hernandez's services, though, as Roma are also keeping tabs on the forward.

Fiorentina 0-0 Juventus: Goalless draw does Del Neri no favours in Champions League race

Fiorentina and Juventus played out a dour goalless draw at the Artemio Franchi, in what was arguably one of the most disappointing clashes between two of Italian football's giants.
The match started in fairly cagey fashion, with both sides trying to find their rhythm in the early stages. Most of the attacking play was found on the wings, with the likes of Alessio Cerci and Marco Motta impressing early on.
Cerci had the best early chance on 13 minutes, if not a clear goalscoring opportunity, after a Riccardo Montolivo pass deflected into his path, and his shot went just over the Juventus goal courtesy of another deflection.
Alberto Gilardino hasn’t had his most prolific season in front of goal, and he should have done a lot better with his tame attempt at a lob over Gianluigi Buffon after connecting with a long ball over the top of the Bianconeri defence.
Juventus continued to stick with their 4-1-4-1 formation for this game, and there was an alarming lack of invention or enterprise by Luigi Del Neri’s men, with Alessandro Matri looking very much isolated in attack.
The first half wore on in rather dour fashion, with virtually no scoring opportunities of any note apart from a few speculative snap-shots. Not even a trademark Fabio Grosso overlap or a Juan Vargas set-piece was in sight.
However, the second half began in explosive fashion and gave birth to the game’s best chance. A Simone Pepe corner wasn’t dealt with at all by the Viola defence, and Leonardo Bonucci had a free header which went straight at Artur Boruc.
Two minutes later Sinisa Mihajlovic’s men had an equally good chance of their own. Alessio Cerci curled a dangerous ball into the box from the right, and Gilardino’s glancing header just whistled past the far post.
Alessandro Del Piero’s introduction early in the second half was a seemingly inspirational choice, and he almost instantly gave his side the lead after an explosive snap-shot at goal in the Viola box was well stopped by Boruc.
The match then went back into its first-half state, with hardly any goalmouth action. Luca Toni had a couple of minor chances fall his way, but to no avail. Claudio Marchisio also had a rare powerful shot deflect just wide for a corner.
The match leaves Juventus a further two points behind in the Champions League race after Lazio's big away win, and Luigi Del Neri will feel this is a wasted opportunity after Roma's loss less than 24 hours ago.

Juventus are still aiming for Champions League football

Milos Krasic is confident Juventus' hopes for reaching Champions League football are still burning bright.

The 26-year-old Serbian has come out to pledge an end-of-season fight for a top four place as his side prepare to visit Fiorentina in a crucial clash on Sunday.

Juve are six points behind fourth-placed Lazio, but they also face a battle with Roma and Udinese, who are eager to push on for the same objective.

"I don’t want to give false hope, but there are still six games left. Reaching the Champions League is still our objective and we’ll give it our best," Krasic told La Stampa.
"We have to take home six victories and then hope that we get a little help with other results."

He insists the Old Lady can return to the star-studded tournament in which they last competed back in December 2009.

"It would be a failure to not qualify for the Champions League. Missing out on it would hardly be a success for a club like Juventus," he said.

"However, you have to take into account that a new coach and about 10 new players came in during the summer.

"Perhaps we can return to the levels of Juventus’ past from next season onwards."

Luca Toni sees Fiorentina clash as chance for Juventus to boost Champions League hopes

Luca Toni is hoping to give former club Fiorentina a headache when he travels there with Juventus on Sunday looking to develop his side's hopes for the top four.

Juve are six points behind Lazio, who currently sit in fourth place, and Toni feels he can triumph over his former club in what is a crucial Serie A clash.

"It will be a nice effect heading back to the Franchi as I am playing against a club I scored many goals with," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"I could find a hostile environment there, but I don't know if the fans will jeer me."

But Toni is keen on prolonging Juventus' dream to recover from their poor season and attain Champions League football for next season.

"With a positive result there will be plenty of enthusiasm and we would be able to have our say on matters until the end," he added.

"It will be a great game, a difficult one. We cannot make mistakes, and we must score."

Juventus 3-2 Genoa

Juventus came back from behind twice to defeat Genoa in an eventful 3-2 victory, thanks to goals from Simone Pepe, Alessandro Matri and Luca Toni, and increase hopes of featuring in next season's Champions League.
Incredibly, Genoa took the lead in the seventh minute in freakish circumstances. After some impressive build-up play by Davide Ballardini’s men, Luca Antonelli’s harmless low cross into the box was wildly deflected into the net by Leonardo Bonucci, with Marco Storari completely helpless, to make it 1-0 to the visitors.
Leonardo Bonucci had a fantastic chance to equalise through a free header in the Genoa box, but his effort was expertly kept out by Eduardo, who seemed a far cry from his eccentric antics earlier this season.
Simone Pepe blew a golden opportunity to get the hosts back into the game on 45 minutes after being found by a tantalising deep cross, but his header hit side netting and signalled the end of proceedings in the first half.
However, Pepe was to be Juventus’ saviour after grabbing the equaliser just five minutes after the second half initiated. A well-whipped in-swinging cross from Alberto Aquilani found the Italian winger in the box, and his header, courtesy of a Marco Rossi deflection, beat Eduardo and soared into the bottom right corner for 1-1.
Juventus seemed to have regained their fight, which was missing from their limp first half display, and Milos Krasic almost made it 2-1 just a minute later after some fine build-up play on the edge of the Grifoni box, but the Serb’s attempt was straight at the visitors keeper.
It wasn’t to stay a draw for long though, as Genoa came straight back on 63 minutes to regain their lead. Antonio Floro Flores finished clinically from several yards out after being neatly played in by Alberto Paloschi on the left, easily bypassing Marco Motta, who was replaced shortly after by the far more efficient Frederik Sorensen.

Juventus should not sell Gianluigi Buffon

Juventus could suffer if they decide to sell goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon at the end of the season, says former coach Marcello Lippi.
Buffon’s future has been the subject of speculation with his place in the first team under threat from Marco Storari.
Roma and Manchester City are said to be interested in the services of the 33-year-old and there are reports in the Italian media that Juve could sell the Italy international.
However, former Juventus coach Lippi, who led the Italian national team to World Cup triumph in 2006, believes his old club must not part company with Buffon.
“You should not sell champions when you have them at your disposal,” said Lippi, according to Eurosport.
“I have nothing against Marco Storari, who is an excellent player, but I do hope that Buffon remains. Juventus need him because great players like him are always required.”
Buffon has struggled with injury since the World Cup in South Africa last summer but started in goal for Juventus in their goalless draw with Fiorentina in Serie A at the weekend.

Juventus’ Gianluigi Buffon remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world despite injuries

Italian legend Dino Zoff has reiterated his faith in Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and believes that he remains of the best in the world.
The Italy international has suffered with injury problems this season and there are doubts over his future in the national team as well as at Juve.
Buffon’s form has dipped in the last few years because of his injury problems but Zoff, regarded by many as one of the best goalkeepers of all time, believes that his compatriot is a class apart.
Interviewed by Tuttosport, Zoff said: “If Buffon is okay physically, then he has no problems being number one. He is Italy's goalkeeper and remains among the best in the world.

“If he is on top [form] there shouldn't be and can't be any rivalry."

Alberto Aquilani more likely to stay with Juventus than to return to Liverpool

A Juventus stay seems more probable than a Liverpool return for Alberto Aquilani, according to his agent Franco Zavaglia.

His comments come 24 hours after Juve general director Giuseppe Marotta revealed the club were making plans to speak to the Anfield-based side over a permanent deal.

The 26-year-old is on loan in Turin, but Juve have an option to make the move permanent by paying Liverpool a reported £14.1 million transfer fee.

Talks between the two clubs do not appear to have taken place, and Marotta's comments on Sunday seem to suggest they are still in the pipeline.

However, Zavaglia said heading back to Liverpool seemed highly unlikely for the Italy international.

"I don't know if Juventus have spoken with Liverpool," Zavaglia said, according to Sky Sport Italia. "I think it's very difficult [that he will return to Liverpool] as this is a very remote chance.

"But, in the end, he would be going back to a prestigious club who play in a prestigious league."

Zavaglia added: "The will of the player is clear. He wants to stay in Italy, but if he returns to England then there will not be any problems.

"Let's say his transfer to Juventus is well defined. In the moment in which it was made, the terms and value of the operation were well defined. Now Juve know the modality and it is normal that the clubs will speak before June 30.

"If Juve can save money, seeing that time is running out, then they will try, but otherwise I don't know what the decision of the club will be."

There's no problem with Gianluigi Buffon

A number of recent reports suggested that Gianluigi Buffon is unhappy with his current situation at Juventus and that he could leave the club in the summer transfer window.

However, sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has made it clear that there's no issues regarding the former Parma goalkeeper at la Vecchia Signora.

"There's absolutely no problem between Gianluigi Buffon and Juventus. He's a great player and we have a good relationship with him," Marotta was quoted as saying by Sky Sport Italia.

"He's considered to be one of the best shot stoppers around for about ten years now. He immediately returned to the starting XI after his comeback from injury until last Sunday. The doctors ruled that he wasn't match fit and that's why Storari played."

Marotta then stated that there's little doubt that Buffon will return to the starting XI again once he's fully match fit again.

"Like Luigi Del Neri already said, there's a clear hierarchy at the club. Even though I'd like to say that Storari has done a great job for us and has put in some superb performances."

Juventus target deal to make Alberto Aquilani's move from Liverpool permanent

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that the club are determined to engage in negotiations with Liverpool over the permanent stay of Alberto Aquilani.

The 26-year-old, who set up Luca Toni's winner in Sunday's 3-2 win over Genoa, is currently on loan from Liverpool until the end of the season.

Reports have suggested Juventus have balked at the English outfit's £14 million (€16m) demands to keep him on loan, but Marotta has confirmed he is willing to listen to the Reds over negotiating the midfielder's permanent tenure in Turin.

"Aquilani has been a pleasant surprise for us because he had come from a negative period," Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

"We are satisfied for Juventus and for the way we have seen an important player [Aquilani] get into the national team.

"It's clear that on our part there is an intention to buy him. Of course, we have an option and we will see if there is a chance to trade at the right moment with Liverpool."

The Old Lady beat Genoa to keep their hopes for European action on track with their third win in a row. They are currently seventh in Serie A.

Juventus ask Liverpool for £3.5m discount on Alberto Aquilani

For all the latest reports and transfer rumours, visit our dedicated section here.

Juventus are keen on signing Alberto Aquilani on a permanent basis but want Liverpool to significantly reduce their asking price.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claims dialogue has been opened between the two clubs as they attempt to resolve Aquilani's future following his loan move to Italy last summer.

The 26-year-old's current deal expires in June and while it seems likely that he will stay Serie A a fee remains a sticking point.

Liverpool want around £14 million for him, but the Bianconeri are only willing to stretch to £10.5m as they try to bargain on the option they have to sign him as part of the loan agreement.

But that's not all that stands in their way, as the former Roma midfielder would have to reduce his earnings too, which currently amount to £3m per annum.

Aquilani has scored twice in 27 games this season for Juve, who are currently seventh in Serie A and take on Genoa at the Olimpico this weekend.

The Turin club have recently been linked with a move for AC Milan's Andrea Pirlo should Aquilani return to Anfield.