Juventus have jumped to the front of the queue to sign Boca Juniors starlet Ever Banega, according to Tuttosport.The 19-year-old midfielder is one of the most promising youngsters playing in the Argentine league and he was a star at his country’s successful FIFA Under-20 World Cup campaign in Canada during the summer.
Banega only made his professional debut for Boca in February of this year, replacing Fernando Gago, who had left for Real Madrid.
The teenager made an instant impact and he was a crucial part of the team that won the Copa Libertadores, and finished runners-up to AC Milan in last Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final.
Last month it was reported that Milan had a €10m offer turned down by Boca chairman Mauricio Macri.
Macri has put a price-tag of €20m on Banega, although it is believed he would accept the €15m Juventus would be willing to pay for him.
The Bianconeri have made the signing of a top-class centre-midfielder a priority during the January transfer window, following the disappointing form of Sergio Almiron and Tiago Mendes.
Banega, who is nicknamed “tarjeta amarilla” due to the number of yellow cards he receives, is a player in the mould of Liverpool star Javier Mascherano, sitting in front of the defence, winning tackles and spraying the ball around the field.
As well as AC Milan, Juventus also face competition from Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Inter Milan for the signature of the youngster.
www.goal.com - 19/12/2007 17:35
No comments:
Post a Comment