1、FIORENTINA, Challenge with Palermo for Papastathopoulos
After Kuzmanovic, Fiorentina and Palermo fight for the same target. We are speaking about Sokratis Papastathopoulos (20), central defender of Aek Athens. Many english teams are interested in him.
As the negotiation for Andrea Barzagli gets more complicated, yesterday a step forward has been done by Fiorentina for the engagement of O.L. wingback Anthony Reveillere. Sports Director Pantaleo Corvino has met the player's agents to propose them a two year deal; though the Frenchman would prefer a three year deal and there is still a 1 million Euros difference between the tuscan club's offer and O.L.'s request, it seems that the negotiation will be soon carried out.
Non only Reveillere. After yesterday meeting, between Fiorentina and agents of Anthony Reveillere, interesting news are arrived from England: Silvestre ( Manchester United) could ask to close the contract expiring in June 2009. And this could be read as a positive news for Fiorentina.
Fiorentina have officially communicated that 32 year old miffielder Fabio Liverani's contract won't be renewed. The player's most probable destination is Palermo that have offered him a three year deal.
5、PALERMO, Zamparini: "Liverani? Now it's up to him"
"Liverani? Now that is official that he will leave Fiorentina it's up to him to decide" has declared Palermo chairman Maurizio Zamparini; "Fabio kmows that we admire him, it's up to him to take the final decision"
Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino is confident that the Viola will add Alberto Gilardino to the ranks, but is “pessimistic” over Andrea Barzagli.
The Tuscans are looking to strengthen this summer after stealing fourth place from Milan and securing a place in next season’s Champions League.
Having already moved for Slovenian striking starlet Stevan Jovetic and Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo, Corvino is now moving on to other targets.
“We have almost a desperate battle against Inter, Roma and Juventus to sign players because they have so much money whereas we have to rely on sacrifices from the Della Valle family and the nous of myself and Cesare Prandelli,” the transfer guru explained.
“Gilardino? He will be the most expensive player that I have ever signed – even more than Luca Toni.
“In my career I have become used to cooking with water, but this time I have used oil and I hope I can offer more tasty dishes.”
Azzurri defender Barzagli had looked likely to join Fiorentina, but now it seems that negotiations have hit a brick wall.
“I am pessimistic about Barzagli,” Corvino admitted.
“However, for the last three years our defence has been amongst the tightest in the League.We can win without him.”
Lyon defender Anthony Réveillère is also believed to be on the defensive shopping list.
“Réveillère could be useful to cover for the departure of Tomas Ujfalusi, but he isn’t the only option,” Corvino stressed.
“Angelo Palombo? We won’t be moving for him. We already have six midfielders and if we need one more we will research better. One could be developing in Florence or in Patagonia – we’ll find him.”