Ranieiri To Call Back Giovinco At Almiron's Expense?

There are rumours in the peninsula that Juventus are looking to convince Empoli to return loanee Sebastian Giovinco early, and are prepared to give them back misfiring Argentine midfielder Sergio Almiron in exchange.

Giovinco, who is considered one of the most promising young players to have come out of Italy in the past few years, grudgingly joined Empoli during the summer to gain experience, and his subsequent performances for the Italy Under-21 as well as his adopted club have gone a long way towards proving that he is already ready for the big time.

Almiron, on the other hand, has floundered in Turin, which some are saying has convinced Ranieri to strongly consider sending him back to the place where he made his name.

While Giovinco would doubtlessly be delighted to be back at Juve in January already, Almiron would almost certainly be less enthused. Truth be told, he won’t have much of a choice of Empoli agree to reverse the temporary swap deal.

However, the reports of a possible transfer reversal need to be taken with a grain of salt unless some factual information emerges. Especially when one considers Ranieri’s last public comments in this regard, which were made barely over a week ago and seemed pretty straightforward.

"I wouldn't make an Almiron-Giovinco exchange," said the Juve coach after the pint-sized striker inspired Empoli to victory over them in the Coppa Italia.

"If I did so, I would not be giving too many opportunities, as he would only train with us, and this wouldn't be good for him."

www.goal.com - 18/12/2007 04:28