Juve chase Rakitic and Pique

Juve chase Rakitic and Pique
Saturday 8 March, 2008

Schalke 04 starlet Ivan Rakitic has spoken of his “pride” and hope of a transfer to Juventus, while they also eye Manchester United’s Gerard Pique.

The Bianconeri need to bolster their squad considerably over the summer if they are to mount a credible Scudetto challenge next season and work is already underway.

This morning Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport claims that the club is “very close” to signing United’s Spanish talent Pique.

The versatile young defender, who can play as a centre-back or right-back, has a contract which expires in June 2009.

Meanwhile, another target is Schalke 04 midfielder Rakitic, who has just reached the Champions League quarter-finals.

“It is a great honour to know a prestigious side like Juve are interested in me,” he told Croatian newspaper Jutarnji Sport.

“I hope something can come to fruition as soon as possible.”

Inter and other top European sides are also tracking Rakitic, who has been attributed with an £8m price-tag.

He would be the heir to Pavel Nedved (pictured) in the Juve line-up, as the Czech is reaching the end of his career aged 36 by the start of next season.

“I feel ready for a big club,” added Rakitic. “I won’t make an issue of where it is – England, Spain, Italy, there are no problems for me.

“The important thing is to have wider prospects for my career. This is why the idea of Juventus excites me.”

*channel4