Iaquinta key to Hamsik

Iaquinta key to Hamsik
Sunday 29 June, 2008

Juventus chiefs confirm they intend to secure “a goalkeeper and midfielder” before Friday as Vincenzo Iaquinta is offered in exchange for Marek Hamsik.

“We are looking for a quality midfielder and a goalkeeper. We don’t want to take the fans for a ride and will keep our feet on the ground, so those are the only arrivals,” general manager Jean Claude Blanc told Tuttosport.

“Our objective is to have the squad completed before the start of pre-season training on July 4. This is the approach we took last year and it proved smart, as it is important to ensure the group gels quickly.

“The next seven or eight days will be very important to finish off the final negotiations. Naturally if some talks required a little extra, I wouldn’t cut them short just because the training camp is opening.”

The prime candidate to act as reserve for Gianluigi Buffon is Monaco goalkeeper Flavio Roma, who has already said he is open to the idea.

One of the potential transfers is Dejan Stankovic from Inter, but the Juve fans have staged a bitter campaign of protest to dissuade the club from completing this move.

“It is only right that the fans express their opinion, but the club must make its decisions on a professional basis taking into account technical requirements, costs and other situations,” noted Blanc.

Nonetheless, the protests have been heard and the Bianconeri are looking towards alternative objectives. Names include Roma youngster Alberto Aquilani and Napoli starlet Hamsik.

The Bianconeri’s interest in Slovakian midfielder Hamsik is nothing new, but up until now Napoli have been unwilling to part with him.

The key to changing their tune is the introduction of World Cup winning striker Iaquinta as part of the deal.

Juve are reportedly ready to release Iaquinta in exchange for 50 per cent of Hamsik’s contract, to be completed in 2009 after spending another season at Napoli, or £11m cash.

Claudio Ranieri is not short on midfield options anyway, as youth products Sebastian Giovinco, Claudio Marchisio and Paolo De Ceglie have returned from their loan spells.

“We believe a great deal in our young players and those three will join a squad made of legendary champions,” added President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli.

“We must work on what we have already built in the past two seasons. The results proved the basis for a solid side is there.”

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