Mellberg Admits Juve Interest

Olog Mellberg’s free transfer move to Juventus at the end of the season is looking more and more likely after the defender admitted that the club were interested in him.

The defender’s contract with Aston Villa runs out this summer, which means he is permitted to talk to interested parties from January about a Bosman free transfer.

Juventus are in desperate need of some reinforcements in the centre-back position and have been linked with Mellberg for a number of weeks now.

“Juventus, I cannot deny it,” the Sweden international stated today.

These comments will come as a blow to Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill who is still retaining hope that his centre-back will stay at the club.

"I don't know if there is anything in the Juventus link and Olof will tell me in his own time if that is the case. Players are free to make decisions here,” O’Neill said on Monday.

"This is an important contract for Olof. He has been here seven years and, in terms of the commitment he has given since I've been here, I couldn't ask any more.”

Mellberg joined Villa from Racing Santander in July 2001 for £5m and has since made more than 200 appearances for the club.

www.goal.com - 12/12/2007 17:23