Juve going cold on Alonso
by Ben Blackmore, 05 July 2008
Juventus have revealed they may not sign Xabi Alonso from Liverpool as Claudio Ranieri chooses between three midfield options.
Juve had previously confirmed their interest in the Spaniard, with president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli revealing he was set for talks with Alonso’s agent.
However, the move appears to have stalled as Liverpool and Juventus haggle over the transfer fee, with The Reds holding out for £16 million.
Ranieri admits Alonso is only one of several options he is considering, and the former Chelsea manager hinted he may pull out of the deal.
"There are more than two names we are considering to strengthen our midfield," he said.
"We will choose the player who gives us the best opportunity to improve this side."
Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani is thought to be The Old Lady’s other major option, and the Italian giants revealed they will now take their time to decide which player to sign.
"We have never named names. It's an important decision and we'll consider it at length because the final choice must be within our budget," revealed Juve’s chief officer Jean Claude Blanc.
"We spend the right time evaluating players. It will be an investment of between €10 and €30 million (£8million - £23.5million). "We will talk things over at length with Claudio Ranieri and his staff."