Socrates

Llorente To Ignite Liverpool Interest http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/juventus-striker-to-become-new-liverpool-target/? Jul 4, 2015 English Premier League heavyweights Liverpool are set to turn their attention towards Juventus forward Fernando Llorente as they have seemingly been priced out of contention for the signature of Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke. The Spaniard could find playing time difficult to come by next season as the Bianconeri have added the likes of Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic to their squad. With Alvaro Morata already a favorite with fans, Llorente may feel his future lies away from Turin. According to the Daily Mail, the Anfield side have been put off Benteke due to his massive €45 million transfer release clause. With Villa unwilling to budge on the price, manager Brendan Rodgers is now looking to negotiate the possibility of a move for Llorente with the Serie A champions. The former Athletic Bilbao star, who joined Juve in 2013, has featured in 65 league matches so far and scored 23 goals for the Italian outfit.

Allegri set for Juve raise http://www.football-italia.net/68669/allegri-set-juve-raise? Jul 4, 2015 Juventus are looking to raise Coach Max Allegri's salary from €2.5m to €3.5m per year with a view to a fifth Scudetto title. After joining the club surrounded by skepticism, the 47-year-old succeeded in conquering a Scudetto and a Champions League final on his first year with the Bianconeri. It appears the club's higher echelons are looking to reward him for his strong performances as the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport reports that he is not too distant from a raise. Juventus are offering Allegri an increase from his current salary of €2.5m to a €3.5m yearly deal along with bonuses, while the Coach reportedly would like to make a little more. The publication believes a likely compromise could fall somewhere around €3.7m, making Allegri the Coach with the second highest wages in Serie A after Roberto Mancini. The Inter Coach signed for €2.7m and will be making €4m starting from next season.

What´s next for Kwadwo Asamoah? http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/7/4/8886753/juventus-kwadwo-asamoah-max-allegri-tactics Jul 4, 2015 It looks like the debate about the future for Kwadwo Asamoah is by now a recurrent topic, a kind of déjà vu. As we all know, Asamoah arrived at Juventus as a rising star in 2011 after he played a key role in Udinese's midfield. That year the Zebrette finished third in Serie A and reached the Champions League playoffs. The next couple of seasons, he proved his worth playing left wingback in Antonio Conte´s 3-5-2. However, with Max Allegri using mostly a 4-3-1-2 formation, and after a season troubled by injuries, perhaps is time — once again — to reconsider the role of Asamoah for the 2015-2016 campaign. The first thought about Asamoah playing in a four-man defense came from himself in an interview during last year's World Cup after the defeat against United States. He said: "Everyone knows the role in which I can give my best, I’ve never liked playing in defense but when you are asked to do so what can you do? I think I am one of the players on the pitch with the most quality and I am very useful when I help out in attack. I don’t like playing in defense and I don’t think I can help the team there. My role is offensive." (Source: Football Italia) Something tells me he doesn´t like the idea, right? Asamoah is a professional and the ultimate team player (and, of course, he´s talking about Ghana, not Juventus). Nonetheless, one situation is when you take one for the club and another is when you play in your desired position. It´s hard to believe that he would request a transfer, yet the fact that he considers himself a midfielder says a lot. On the other hand is the depth of Juventus´ roster, beginning with the left backs. Patrice Evra was a pleasant surprise, however, he is 34 years old already and can´t play forever. Martin Caceres plays that position for Uruguay where he has been very good, but he´s had injury concerns of his own over the years. Fan favorite Simone Padoin is serviceable at best and, of course, I don’t consider our resident DJ, Paolo De Ceglie as an alternative (for a better understanding of the fullbacks situation, please check BWRAO last season ratings). Possibly, this is the major obstacle for Asamoah on his quest to the midfield, without him the LB position is not quite solid right now. In the same way, Juventus´ midfield status is a little tricky. Right now it looks fully loaded, however Andrea Pirlo is on his way to the Big Apple and Paul Pogba is represented by "super-agent" Mino Raiola (you already know what that means). So maybe, there is a chance that Asamoah could find a spot for him sooner or later. Additionally, the "always trustworthy" English tabloids are reporting that Arsenal is interested in Asamoah, making his future even hazier. For now, it´s hard to know what will happen to Kojo, possibly this transfer window could bring clarity to his case. (For example, imagine the impact of Juventus signing Matteo Darmian…just sayin´.) Asamoah´s quality and work ethic are unquestionable and I hope his career in Turin continues for many years. That being said, I expect Juventus will give him a chance to show his class in the middle on a weekly basis, just because he has already earned it.

Real Madrid Lead The Chase For Llorente http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/real-madrid-lead-the-chase-for-juventus-striker/? Jul 3, 2015 Real Madrid are interested in landing Juventus striker Fernando Llorente during the summer transfer window. Following the signings of Mario Mandzukic from Atletico Madrid and Paulo Dybala from Palermo, the future of Llorente at Juventus is reported to be unclear. According to Tuttosport, Real Madrid new coach Rafael Benitez is interested in signing Llorente, who has rejected offers from Monaco and Tottenham Hotspur recently. In turn, the Bianconeri are said to be interested in Los Blancos forward Isco. However, the former Malaga man’s release clause of €150 million combined with Madrid’s reluctance to sell shrinks the hopes of the Champions League runners-up.

Marotta 'open to Cuadrado' http://www.football-italia.net/68659/marotta-open-cuadrado? Jul 3, 2015 Juventus chief Beppe Marotta claims Mohamed Salah and Stevan Jovetic will join Inter, while they are “open to Juan Cuadrado on loan.” The Bianconeri director spoke to Mediaset Premium Sport about their links to Chelsea winger Salah and Manchester City forward Jovetic. “We have not moved for them and are not among the contenders. They will play for a team that wears stripes in a stadium in Milan.” While that description would also fit Milan, the clear implication is that Inter are due to sign both of those players. When it comes to Chelsea’s Cuadrado, Marotta is considerably more optimistic. “We are open to all possibilities. If Chelsea were open to releasing him on loan, we’d be very happy with that.” However, Paul Pogba is locked down despite proposals from Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea and PSG. “I could repeat myself and keep saying the same things. Pogba is an excellent young player and has attracted many clubs, but Juventus are not accustomed to selling its best players and wants to keep Pogba. “It was painful to lose Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo, but we allowed them to follow what they wanted. Replacing them is difficult. We’ve signed Paulo Dybala, Sami Khedira and a youngster like Daniele Rugani, while we’re about to make Simone Zaza’s arrival official. “The transfer window has just opened and we are at the window for eventual opportunities, but haven’t achieved all our objectives yet.”

Juve 'will reject Pogba offers' http://www.football-italia.net/68651/juve-will-reject-pogba-offers? Jul 3, 2015 Juventus “will reject all offers” for Paul Pogba, find Juan Cuadrado “interesting” and deny involvement in the Mo Salah saga. Director general Beppe Marotta spoke to Radio Sportiva about the transfer campaign so far. “We’ve already done very well, as the squad is complete and competitive to win. From now on we’ll only go on to the market to take advantage of big opportunities we find.” The Bianconeri turned down a €80m offer for Pogba from Barcelona, while Chelsea and Manchester City are also still interested. “Pogba is an important element for the consolidation of the club. We will reject all offers,” continued Marotta. “Cuadrado? He is a Chelsea player, an interesting player, but not ours. That is all I will say on the matter.” Inter and Juve were tracking Salah, who has told Fiorentina he won’t stay with the Viola in order to join another Serie A club. “We have nothing to do with it. These are unpleasant situations that have always happened.”

Pogba shrugs off speculation http://www.football-italia.net/68650/pogba-shrugs-speculation? Jul 3, 2015 Paul Pogba told Soccer 360 “nobody knows” what he said to Juventus and his agent amid links to Barcelona, Manchester City and Chelsea. The midfielder is constantly at the centre of transfer speculation and at the age of 21 shows he’s already used to it. “That is not important. All I hear is that Pogba is going here or that Pogba is going there,” he told Soccer 360 Magazine. “The truth is nobody hears my private conversations with my agent, my family and Juventus. In football there will always be stories.” You can read the full interview and much more on Soccer 360 here. Asked about his ambitions for next season after missing out on the Champions League Final, the Frenchman aimed for the top. “To win trophies. I have won two this season and I am hungry for many more. The Final was really disappointing, as all the players were so desperate to win it. “We could not have done any more, we can be really proud of ourselves. We know that we gave it everything, but in the end Barcelona were just better than us.” At the final whistle, Pogba consoled Andrea Pirlo in what was likely his final appearance before moving to New York City FC. “It was very emotional. Pirlo has won everything, but he was so desperate to win the Champions League with Juventus. It would have been amazing for him and the club, but it was not to be.”

OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: Juventus sign goalkeeper Neto from Fiorentina http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/7/3/8882701/official-juventus-sign-goalkeeper-neto-from-fiorentina-serie-a-transfers Jul 3, 2015 The game of musical chairs when it comes to Juventus' backup goalkeeper position has been officially conducted and finished in quick order, and the result is Juventus having a new No. 2 keeper for the first time since the 2010-11 season. After Marco Storari completed his anticipated move to Cagliari earlier in the day, Juventus announced Friday evening that former Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto has signed with the club on a free transfer and will be Gianluigi Buffon's backup next season. The 25-year-old Brazilian put pen to paper on a four-year contract worth a reported €2.2 million a season, according to Tuttosport earlier in the day. Here's the official announcement in writing, courtesy of Juventus' new-look website: Norberto Murara Neto has officially completed his move to Juventus, penning a four-year contract that keeps him with the club until 30 June 2019. The Brazilian goalkeeper, 25, joins following four and a half seasons with Fiorentina where he displayed the credentials which have led the Bianconeri to recruit him as Gigi Buffon's deputy. JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen OFFICIAL: #Neto joins Juventus on a four-year contract. You may be telling yourself, "Oh, well it's a backup goalkeeper, so no worries, right?" But Storari's shoes are going to be big ones to fill for the young Brazilian. Storari's five-year stint at Juventus was impressive despite the fact that outside of his first season at the club, he didn't play all that much at all outside of the occasional Serie A appearance and Coppa Italia duty. Thus is the life as the man playing behind Buffon, the greatest of all time. Neto boasts two years worth of experience as Fiorentina's starting goalkeeper. Despite La Viola having a rocky reaction to Neto's announcement that he won't be signing a new contract with the club, he appeared in 29 Serie A games last season, finishing in a tie for fifth with 10 clean sheets. He also appeared in seven of Fiorentina's Europa League matches, so it's not like he arrives in Turin with not much experience even though he's still relatively young. Welcome, Neto. And thank you, Marco Storari. The backup goalkeeper job is far from an easy one, and Storari excelled at it. Let's hope that Neto can come close to replicating what Storari did — both on the field and in the locker room.

Italian Super Cup on Aug 8 http://www.football-italia.net/68639/italian-super-cup-aug-8? Jul 3, 2015 The Italian Super Cup between Juventus and Lazio will be held in Shanghai on August 8. This is the Italian version of the Community Shield, between the Scudetto winners and Coppa Italia holders. As Juve did the Double in 2015-16, Lazio will take part as Coppa Italia runners-up. It will kick off at the Shanghai Stadium in China at 20.00 local time, 13.00 UK time (12.00 GMT).

Official: Juventus sign Neto The Brazil international will replace Marco Storari as Gianluigi Buffon's "deputy" in Turin after signing a four-year deal with the Italian champions. http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2015/07/03/13269722/-? Jul 3, 2015 Juventus have completed the signing of Neto on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Fiorentina. The Bianconeri allowed reserve goalkeeper Marco Storari to join Cagliari on Thursday but wasted little time in acquiring a new understudy for current No.1 Gianluigi Buffon. "Norberto Murara Neto has officially completed his move to Juventus, penning a four-year contract that keeps him with the club until June 30, 2019," read a statement released on the Italian champions' official website on Friday. "The Brazilian goalkeeper, 25, joins following four-and-a-half seasons with Fiorentina where he displayed the credentials which have led the Bianconeri to recruit him as Gigi Buffon’s deputy." Neto joined Fiorentina from Atletico Paranaense in 2011 and established himself as the Viola's No.1 during the 2013-14 season. The Selecao shot-stopper was dropped to the bench last season after deciding against signing a new contract with the club, but was restored to the starting line-up following an injury to Ciprian Tatarusanu.

Official: Neto joins Juventus http://www.football-italia.net/68636/official-neto-joins-juventus? Jul 3, 2015 Juventus have officially signed Norberto Neto to 2019 after the goalkeeper’s contract with Fiorentina expired. "I am happy and proud," wrote the player on Instagram. "I can't wait to get started on this new challenge." The Brazilian declared in January that he would not be renewing his current deal with the Viola and it was reported a move to Turin was behind that decision. This afternoon Juve formally deposited the contract tying Neto to the club until June 30 2019. The shot-stopper spent four and a half seasons at Fiorentina and will become “Gigi Buffon’s deputy.” It had been rumoured he would be given a loan spell, but that does not appear to be the case. Neto turns 26 later this month and grew up in the Cruzeiro academy before moving on to Atletico Paranense and Fiorentina in January 2011.

Braida: ‘Not over for Pogba’ http://www.football-italia.net/68630/braida-%E2%80%98not-over-pogba%E2%80%99? Jul 3, 2015 Barcelona were rejected by Juventus for Paul Pogba, but international sporting director Ariedo Braida teases ‘it doesn’t end here’. The Blaugrana had an €80m bid for the Frenchman turned down this week, a sequence of events which Presidential candidate Joan Laporta called ‘a failure’. “My good friend [Juventus general manager Giuseppe] Marotta officially turned down our offer,” Braida told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “However, it doesn’t end here. First there are the club elections, and then…” The Catalan club cannot field any new signings until January, as they are under a transfer ban, but can sign players, as was the case with Aleix Vidal.

No bids for Llorente or Vidal – Juventus Chief executive Giuseppe Marotta says the club has not received any offers for the pair and expressed his delight with the Old Lady's summer business so far. http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2015/07/03/13262412/-? Jul 3, 2015 Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta says the club have not received any bids for Real Madrid targets Fernando Llorente and Arturo Vidal. Striker Llorente was forced to play a bit-part role in Turin last season as former Madrid forward Alvaro Morata became a regular in attack, while Vidal has repeatedly been linked to the club in recent seasons. New Blancos coach Rafa Benitez is reported to be interested in bringing the pair to the Spanish capital but while Llorente could be set for a summer move, Marotta says the club have no interest in allowing Chile international Vidal to leave. “We have not received any offer for Llorente or Vidal,” Marotta told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “There are no ongoing negotiations for Vidal, who has been the object of desire for half of Europe." Llorente has been targeted to bolster Madrid's attacking options after Javier Hernandez returned to Manchester United following his loan spell at the Santiago Bernabeu. Juventus marched to their fourth straight Serie A title and the Coppa Italia last season before falling to Barcelona in the Champions League final. Carlos Tevez has since departed for Boca Juniors, but Marotta says he is delighted with the business the club has carried out this summer following the arrivals of Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala, Sami Khedira, Simone Zaza and Daniele Rugani. “We moved in good time, anticipating the competition, and gained some important players,” Marotta said. “We lack nothing, the team is complete and ensures another year at a very high level, with some eclectic options that allow the coach a lot of opportunities to rotate the squad.”

Barcelona looked ridiculous with Pogba bid – Laporta The presidential candidate says the standing administration showed their incompetence in their failed attempt to seal a deal for the Juventus star. http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2015/07/03/13260552/-? Jul 3, 2015 Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta says the club made themselves look ridiculous in their failed bid for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba. Laporta is currently hot on the campaign trail as he prepares to challenge standing president Josep Maria Bartomeu at the ballots on July 18. In recent weeks Laporta has made Pogba the focus of his candidacy and says that the current management were made to look ridiculous when they went to Italy to try to secure an €80 million deal for the France international midfielder. “[sporting director Ariedo] Braida's meeting with Juventus and [director of sporting institutional relations Albert] Soler was a failure, it was ridiculous and made Barcelona look bad,” Laporta told Cadena Ser. “Soler acts in ignorance of the world of football.” Not for the first time, Laporta stressed “the key to the transfer of Pogba is his agent Mino Raiola,” before dismissing Barcelona’s reported interest in Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan was simply a diversion tactic. Laporta is hoping to seal his second spell as president of the club after leading them to two Champions Leagues and four Liga titles during his period with the club between 2003 and 2010.

What does the summer hold for Paul Pogba? SPECIAL REPORT: Barcelona, Manchester City and PSG are among a host of clubs after the Juventus man - but what does his future hold? http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4659/editorials/2015/07/03/13259742/-? Jul 3, 2015 By Carlo Garganese Not since Neymar left Santos has a superstar footballer been desired by as many top clubs as Paul Pogba is right now. Back in 2013, the Brazilian ended up signing for Barcelona in a hugely controversial deal, despite the interest of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Chelsea among others. Fast forward two years and Juventus’ crown jewel is now at the centre of a tug of war involving the same superpowers – and there could be a similar outcome. The European champions have identified Pogba as their primary target this summer – with coach Luis Enrique informing the club hierarchy that he desires a powerful box-to-box midfielder. Despite being banned from registering anyone until 2016, Barcelona are still able to sign players now and play them next year. On Wednesday, Barcelona directors Ariedo Braida and Alberto Soler flew out to Italy and tabled an official €80 million bid for Pogba. The offer was swiftly rejected by Juventus. "Barca offered us €80m for Pogba but we don't want to sell him," Juve director general Giuseppe Marotta confirmed to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. The Camp Nou presidential elections take place on July 18 and none of the candidates – particularly current incumbent Josep Maria Bartomeu and former chief Joan Laporta – will stand in the way of the Frenchman's signing if they win power. Both Bartomeu and Laporta – the two front-runners in the election race – have publicly confirmed they want Pogba at the club. Pogba’s preferred next destination is Barcelona, and he admitted before the Champions League final that he has a desire to play with Lionel Messi. "Playing with Messi would be a dream come true," he told AS. "He's the best player in the world. I love watching Barcelona play.” But Juventus’ position on Pogba is very clear. This summer they will lose two key players as Carlos Tevez has returned to Boca Juniors while Andrea Pirlo has agreed to join New York City FC. They are unwilling to lose Pogba as well ahead of next season. The Bianconeri have no financial requirement to sell, having made more money than any other club from last season’s Champions League. However, should they receive an outrageous offer then they will be open to the possibility of selling Pogba in 2016. Goal understands that having rejected Barca's opening bid of €80m, they would be willing to listen should that offer be increased to €100m. One potential sticking point for an eventual move to Camp Nou would be Pogba's salary. He is demanding €12m a year, a figure that could unsettle some members of the squad as he would earn more than Neymar, Andres Iniesta and Luis Suarez. Thus, the club would likely have to offer pay rises to these players. Manchester City are prepared to go even higher in the auction and are readying a world record transfer bid in excess of the €100m Real Madrid paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale. They also would pay Pogba a mammoth €346,000 a week. The Eastlands outfit need to rejuvenate a somewhat ageing squad and are set to embark on a spending spree this summer having been dethroned as Premier League champions by Chelsea. At just 22, Pogba attracts City for the same reasons he attracts all his suitors. He offers 10 years of world-class football and is quite simply the most complete midfielder in the game - ticking every box physically, mentally and technically. He guarantees a big spike in commercial revenue through shirt sales and is a safe investment given his age and talent. Paris Saint-Germain are the third club who are happy to break the bank for Pogba. The Ligue 1 champions lodged an informal €80m bid back in April and have offered the midfielder €12m a year in wages. Pogba recently met PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi in Monaco, although Juventus insist it was just a casual encounter. Al-Khelaifi is desperate to bring Champions League glory to the Parc des Princes, having failed to make a mark on the competition despite the club’s domestic dominance. He also recognises what an asset Pogba will be for the club’s image – France’s biggest star leading France’s best club. However, Pogba is understood to be against returning to his homeland as he feels that Ligue 1 is not of a high enough quality to satisfy his demands for top-level football. The interest of long-term admirers Real Madrid has cooled a touch recently. Until a few months ago, the Blancos were regarded as the favourites for the Frenchman – with club legend and Castilla coach Zinedine Zidane regularly praising his countryman in the press. Madrid are in the market for a combative central midfielder this summer and Pogba would fit the bill, but the club has a troubled relationship with Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, which makes any deal difficult. “Real Madrid are a club that is used to buying players like you buy a facecloth - and then throws them away like a facecloth,” Raiola remarked in March, comments that didn’t go down well in the Spanish capital. Elsewhere, Chelsea and Manchester United continue to monitor developments. The Blues maintain an interest in Pogba but seem to have prioritised the signing of a striker in Radamel Falcao, while they have recently been heavily linked to Arda Turan, though that's not to say they couldn't bring all three in given their transfer strategy of recent seasons. Manchester United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward would undoubtedly be interested in signing a player as high profile as Pogba but he's unlikely to want to return to Old Trafford given the circumstances surrounding his exit. All in all, Barcelona remain in the box seat for Pogba despite their rejected offer this week. The Blaugrana are greatly admired by the Frenchman, while the club’s transfer ban has indirectly helped them as Juventus are against selling the player until 2016.

Juventus Ready To Reward Midfielder’s Loyalty With New Deal http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/juventus-ready-to-reward-midfielders-loyalty-with-new-deal/? Jul 2, 2015 Claudio Marchisio would be edging ever closer to a new Juventus deal, with the club ready to present their offer to the midfielder. Marchisio has been with Juventus since integrating the first team back in the 2008-09 season, and since becoming a loyal servant of the Bianconeri. Juventus would have an offer on the table and ready to present it to the 29-year-old, which would keep him in Turin until 2019 according to PremiumSport. The media also report that Marchisio would be offered €4 million per season. The Italian international enjoyed a very successful 2013-14 season, aptly deputising for the often injured Andrea Pirlo and helping Juventus to a fourth consecutive Scudetto, their 10th Coppa Italia triumph and a Champions League final. Marchisio made 51 appearances for the Bianconeri in all competitions, scoring three goals and making seven assists.

Del Piero: ‘Juventus still favourites’ http://www.football-italia.net/68594/del-piero-%E2%80%98juventus-still-favourites%E2%80%99? Jul 2, 2015 Alessandro Del Piero believes Juventus are ‘still in pole’ for the Scudetto race, but is intrigued by ‘big investments’ elsewhere. The Bianconeri legend will be a pundit for Sky Italia next season, and gave his opinion on the campaign ahead. “Our League has had difficulties but [last season] we had three teams in the final stages in Europe,” Del Piero told the TV channel. “There’s work to be done on the problems in our football, there has to be a willingness to go deep and continue this Italian movement. “The season ahead? There has been a willingness to make big investments, there have been coaching changes, revolutions. “Juventus are still in pole position, because they’ve won for the last four years, and have a solid structure. They moved quickly with buying and selling, and have clear ideas. “That said, there’s still time to see who will rival them for the Scudetto.”

Benitez Wants Llorente At Real Madrid http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/benitez-wants-juventus-striker-at-real-madrid/? Jul 1, 2015 Real Madrid have reportedly declared their interest in Juventus striker Fernando Llorente. The Spaniard is considered expendable following the emergence of fellow countryman Alvaro Morata, as well as the recent arrivals of Mario Mandzukic, Simone Zaza and Paulo Dybala. La Sexta reports that new Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez has requested the signing of Llorente as he seeks depth at the centre-forward position given that Karim Benzema is the only true no.9 currently in the squad. The Spanish international is also thought to be a target for Liverpool but a return to his homeland is likely to be his preferred option. Llorente, a product of Athletic Bilbao’s youth system, spent eight seasons in the first team and scored 85 goals for the Basque club. The 30-year-old moved to Juventus in 2013 and struck sixteen goals in his first season, but added only seven in 2014/15, as his playing time decreased due to the successful strike partnership of Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata.

Abidal talks up Pogba to Barcelona: I've spoken to him for years The former France international says he hopes to see his compatriot move to Camp Nou but is not convinced Arda Turan would fit the team. http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2015/07/01/13227922/-? Jul 1, 2015 Eric Abidal has revealed he has often spoken to Paul Pogba in the past and would love to see him join Barcelona from Juventus. A delegation from the European champions arrived in Italy on Wednesday to formalise the club's interest in signing the France international this summer. Former Barca defender Abidal, who is poised to become sporting director should Joan Laporta win the presidential elections, admits he hopes to see Pogba plump for a move to the Liga champions despite their ban on registering new players. "It'd be great to have Pogba," he told reporters, speaking at the presentation of Laporta's proposed plans for the Barca academy. "I've a long-standing relationship with him, I send him messages, we work on projects and ideas. "If Joan wins, we'd make the move. I don't know if it's a problem that he can't play until 2016, but I hope he comes. "The messages are not just about football, but to know how he is. All players want to win and Barca have just won the treble."

Juventus reject €80m Pogba offer from Barcelona Barca directors Ariedo Braida and Alberto Soler flew to Italy for a meeting with Juve director general Giuseppe Marotta on Monday, but their opening bid has been turned down. http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2015/07/01/13220672/-? Jul 1, 2015 Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed the club have rejected an €80 million bid from Barcelona for Paul Pogba. On Wednesday, Barcelona directors Ariedo Braida and Alberto Soler flew to Italy for a meeting with Marotta and Bianconeri sporting director Fabio Paratici before making their opening offer. "Barcelona offered us €80m for Pogba but we don't want to sell him," Marotta told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. Pogba has emerged as Barcelona’s primary transfer target this summer, despite the club being banned from signing new players until January 2016. With the Camp Nou presidential elections taking place in just over two weeks, all the candidates – including current incumbent Josep Maria Bartomeu and former chief Joan Laporta – want to buy Pogba now and register him for the start of the 2016-17 season. Having already sold Carlos Tevez to Boca Juniors and with Andrea Pirlo set to depart to New York City FC, Juventus are unwilling to lose another key player - although they could be more open to selling next summer should Barcelona increase their offer to €100m. Pogba joined Juventus in 2012 on a Bosman transfer from Manchester United and has developed into one of the world's most sought-after players.

Juventus-Barça pact for Pogba? http://www.football-italia.net/68559/juventus-bar%C3%A7a-pact-pogba? Jul 1, 2015 Reports in Spain claim Juventus have agreed a pact with Barcelona not to sell Paul Pogba to another club this summer. Officials from the Blaugrana are in Italy this week to discuss the Frenchman, with a meeting reportedly taking place today in Milan. Spanish sources Sport and Mundo Deportivo report that the outcome of the meeting was that the Bianconeri have agreed not to sell Pogba until next summer. The Catalan giants have a transfer ban, so could not play the 22-year-old until January if they were to sign him, which is unattractive due to the transfer fee he would command. The deal does not mean Barcelona have agreed a deal for the French international, as they would still have to agree a fee with Juventus next summer. However, the reported pact is in the interest of both parties, with the Old Lady keeping one of their star men for next season, and Barça ensuring he won’t go elsewhere while their transfer ban is in effect.

Arrigo Sacchi: Barcelona would be 'almost invincible' with Paul Pogba http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2509835/arrigo-sacchi-barcelona-would-be-invincible-with-pogba? Jul 1, 2015 Legendary Italian manager Arrigo Sacchi believes Barcelona will be almost invincible if Paul Pogba eventually joins the team from Juventus. Pogba, 22, is the most sought after player in Europe but is under contract with Juve until June 2019. However there is speculation in both Spain and Italy that the French midfielder will join Barcelona after the 2015-16 season and Sacchi believes that his signing would make the Catalan side unstoppable. "His potential is enormous," Sacchi said in an interview with Barcelona-based publication El Mundo Deportivo. "He is a player who is improving but at 22 , he is very interesting for any club. If Barca already has a fantastic team now, it would be even more so. With the attacking trio (Neymar, Leo Messi, Luis Suarez) and Pogba on the pitch, Barca would be almost invincible." Having joined Juve on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2012, Pogba was an important member of a Juve side that won a Serie A and Coppa Italia double this season, as well as reaching the final of the Champions League. "He has everything to define an era," Sacchi said. "He is like Frank Rijkaard, whom I coached at AC Milan, because of his technique, his strength, his sense of play. Like Frank, he is very powerful on the pitch. I believe that Pogba has even more of a huge offensive projection." Pogba played in his first World Cup in Brazil last year and was named as the Best Young Player of the tournament as France made it to the quarterfinals before losing to eventual winners Germany. Sacchi, who once coached Atletico Madrid and also served as Real Madrid's director of football, said: "In Spain he would score more goals. He is a player for any club but to play at Barca would be much simpler for Pogba for the style of football that he plays. "I would see him playing as a midfielder on the right like Rakitic or on the left like Iniesta but not as a central midfielder. Half of Europe longs for him." A move away from Juve would allow Pogba to scale new heights as a player, according to the 69-year-old. "It's clear that outside of Juventus he can reach a different level," Sacchi added. "The best thing about Pogba is that he still has room to improve. "It depends on him but he certainly has the conditions to be great. You need passion and motivation for the game but you also need talent. He has the latter but he must maintain the passion. I know what he is like and even though he is young, he is quite focused." Juve have already warned Pogba's potential suitors that the player will not leave Turin for less than €80million. "I'm not going to discuss that (figure)," Sacchi said. "What I will say is that he is the biggest reality of world football. The team that does take him will make a big leap in quality."

'Pogba's future? Juventus waiting until after Barcelona presidential elections' Presidential candidate Agusti Benedito claims that the Serie A club will not make a decision over the France international midfielder's possible exit until after July 18. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2015/07/01/13205602/-? Jul 1, 2015 Barcelona presidential candidate Agusti Benedito has suggested that Juventus will not make a decision over Paul Pogba's future until after the the Catalan club's elections. Benedito is standing against the likes of Joan Laporta and Josep Bartomeu in a bid to become Barca's new president, with the elections due to take place on July 18. The 51-year-old claimed earlier in June that he could strike a €80 million (£56.7m) deal for Pogba and now adds that Juventus are waiting until the outcome of the elections before deciding on the France international's future. "We wanted to talk to Juventus and they warned me Pogba would cost €80m and he already had a €12m per season offer from PSG. We thought he was not a priority," Benedito told the press. "Juventus will wait until the president is finally chosen." Benedito also reiterated that he is not willing to hinge his presidential campaign on a potentially record deal for Pogba. He added: "Pogba is a €200m investment. "This kind of move would break the elections' Fair Play. It would not be legitimate and it would be the most severe act in the club's electoral process."

Juventus' new 2015-16 adidas jerseys have officially arrived http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/7/1/8875999/juventus-2015-16-kits-adidas Jul 1, 2015 When Juventus announced its new six-year deal with adidas for around €140 million back in late October, the understandable first thing we noticed was the kind of financial impact it will have. That's a nice chunk of change and a step in the right direction when you consider the long-standing deal with Nike that came to an end. But there's another important factor in all of this, and it's a pretty easy one to figure out — what they're going to look like. From the day the deal was announced, Juventus and adidas seemed like a pretty good match. They both like stripes on their clothing, they both like things with black and white color schemes, and it's not the first time adidas would be utilizing those two colors together. The first day in July has brought us a new Juventus website, a new look to the squad as contracts have expired and new players officially begin their careers in Turin and, most importantly when it comes to this, the beginning of the adidas era at Juventus. That means we get to check out what our favorite players in bianconero will be wearing come next season. Tarek Khatib @ADP1113 Home, Away & GK. Well.... I don't know. Maybe I thought the first run of kits would be adidas trying to make a really, really good impression. The home kit is nice, and it always seems to look better once we actually see it in action on the field in the first couple of friendlies and regular-season games. And the most noticeable addition to the home jersey besides the obvious Scudetto and Coppa Italia badges? Not one, not two, but three stars right above the Juventus crest. See, not so bad. I can live with it. (Side note: We knew there was going to be no silver star to signify 10 Coppas because a certain Juventus President by the name of Andrea Agnelli told us so after the season came to an end. So as much as it would have been nice to see three gold stars as well as a silver one, it's not like this is something that can be considered a surprise to anybody.) But that away kit...oh my goodness. Where to begin? I guess the good thing is that it's the away kit and won't be worn unless it's totally necessary. But yeah, it's not something that comes close to the pink kits we've seen Juventus wear over the last decade or two. I'd say the keeper kit has potential. Consider the fact that Gigi Buffon makes just about any keeper kit look good because he's a badass, so there's hope for it. Silver and black work well together, which means there won't be any kind of loud of obnoxious colors being worn by our beloved captain next season. Then again, I'm no fashion expert and wore basketball shoes with my khakis to work yesterday, so what do I know. (But they're adidas shoes, so I guess I get some bonus points, right).