Socrates

Nedved Thanks Tevez Prior To Juventus Departure http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/nedved-thanks-tevez-prior-to-juventus-departure/? Jun 22, 2015 Juventus director Pavel Nedved has thanked Carlos Tevez for his service to the Bianconeri before his pending move to Boca Juniors. There have been many reports linking the Argentine back to his native country and the Boca directors will arrive in Turin in the next couple of days to complete a deal with the Old Lady. ”Carlos’ choice is a heartfelt one. We can only thank him for what he has done for us,” Nedved said to Sky Sport Italia. El Apache’s scored 50 competitive goals in two years for the Old Lady guiding the club to its first Champions League final in 12 years last season. He also commented on the several transfers Juventus have already made for next season with Paulo Dybala, Sami Khedira and Mario Mandzukic having joined the Bianconeri. “I like this new Juventus, we have signed important players early on in the transfer window.”

Llorente: ‘I want to stay at Juventus’ http://www.football-italia.net/68131/llorente-%E2%80%98i-want-stay-juventus%E2%80%99? Jun 22, 2015 Fernando Llorente insists he wants to stay at Juventus, but ‘I have to talk to the club and see what they tell me’. The Spanish striker has been linked with a move away from Turin, with Mario Mandzukic and Simone Zaza almost certain to arrive, potentially limiting his playing time. “Right now my intention is to stay at Juve,” Llorente told Mediaset. “I’ll have to talk to the club and see what they tell me. Monaco? I don’t know anything about that, I’ve just got married so I’m going on my honeymoon. “Tevez? Let’s see if he’ll go, if he does everyone will be sorry, because he’s a great guy and a great striker. “There will be a lot of changes, we’ll see what happens.”

Henry: Pogba was ready for Manchester United The former Arsenal man believes his compatriot is a "special player" and insists he could have coped with first-team football at Old Trafford before his departure at the age of 19. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2015/06/22/12944962/-? Jun 22, 2015 Thierry Henry believes Paul Pogba is a “special player” and was ready to star on the biggest stage even before he joined Juventus from Manchester United three years ago. Pogba is a transfer target for several leading clubs across Europe after playing a key role in Juventus' Serie A and Coppa Italia triumphs last season. The 22-year-old midfielder has attracted interest from Manchester City and Chelsea in the Premier League - and fellow Frenchman Henry is not surprised by talk suggesting he could leave Turin for as much as £70 million this summer. “He is a special player and that’s why every team wants him,” Henry told Goal at the launch of Arsenal's new Puma home kit. “Is he going to stay at Juve? I don’t know. But whoever gets him is going to get an amazing player. “I was a bit upset for him because he couldn’t perform the way he wanted to perform at the end of the season because he came back from an injury at the wrong time. “For people to talk about him the way they talk about him right now, it’s because he has something that young players his age don’t have right now.” Pogba joined Juventus from Manchester United in 2012 for a nominal compensation fee after he grew frustrated with a lack of playing opportunities under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford. Arsenal legend Henry has been tracking Pogba’s progress for a long time and admits he was surprised that the youngster left United in the first place. Henry added: “He was ready to play at the time he left Manchester United. I don’t know what happened there, he was ready for me at that time. “I saw him play in a World Cup with the France youth team and you could see already that he had something different from the other players. “It didn’t work for him at United for various reasons but he showed character, he went to Juve and showed he could play. Now everybody wants him.”

Pirlo denies announcing Juventus exit for New York City FC The veteran playmaker has pointed out that he could not have been responsible for the Instagram post as he does not have an account. http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2015/06/22/12954122/-? Jun 22, 2015 Juventus ace Andrea Pirlo has denied that he is set to join Major League Soccer side New York City FC. The 36-year-old playmaker is currently on holiday in the United States, fuelling rumours that he is ready to quit the Bianconeri this summer. Pirlo even appeared to confirm the move to New York in a poorly written message on Instagram but the Italy international promptly pointed that he could not have been responsible for the post - not least because he has a good command of his own language. "Good morning," he wrote on Twitter. "I would like to point out again that I have no profile on Instagram. "If I open one, it will be written in proper Italian." The midfielder joined the Bianconeri on a free transfer from AC Milan in the summer of 2011 and played a key role in the club's four subsequent Scudetti successes.

Mandzukic undergoes medical ahead of Juventus move The Croatia international has arrived in Turin as he prepares to sign a three-year contract with the Italian champions, with the option of another season. http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2015/06/22/12941432/-? Jun 22, 2015 Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic is on the verge of completing his proposed €18 million move to Juventus. The 29-year-old arrived in Turin on Sunday evening and underwent a medical with the Bianconeri's medical team the following morning. JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen .@MarioMandzukic9 has just touched down in Turin! Welcome, Mario! Juve are set to pay a basic €15m fee for Mandzukic, with a further €3m in add-ons, while the attacker will pen a three-year deal worth €3.5m after tax per annum, with the option of another season. The Croatia international has spent just one season in Spain, after moving to the Vicente Calderon from Bayern Munich last summer. However, with Carlos Tevez informing Juve of his desire to return to Argentina, the Bianconeri have turned to Mandzukic, who cannot wait to pull on the Juve jersey. "I like Turin a lot," he wrote on Twitter. "I've come here twice to play and I hope to be happy here. "A message for the fans? I can only say that I will give my all. "I have always given the maximum at every club I've had and I will fight for my new jersey. "I know that Juve have a great support and I'm really happy about this. "This is my new home. Don't worry, I'll give everything."

Why Mario Mandzukic Alone Cannot Replace Carlos Tevez at Juventus http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2502406-why-mario-mandzukic-alone-cannot-replace-carlos-tevez-at-juventus? Jun 22, 2015 There is little doubt remaining over just how important Carlos Tevez has been for Juventus over the past two seasons. Since arriving in Turin in August 2013, the Argentinian striker has been the club’s best and most influential player, winning games single-handedly and lifting the performances of those around him. As discussed in this previous column, losing him would be a major blow to the Bianconeri, but the career of the 31-year-old has taught us it is futile to stand in his way once he has made the decision it is time to move on. Clearly ready for a return to his homeland and former club Boca Juniors, per Selene Scarsi of ESPN, Juventus have seemingly moved quickly to secure Mario Mandzukic as a replacement. @MarioMandzukic9 is currently undergoing his medical ahead of a proposed move to Juventus On Monday morning, the Croatian was pictured arriving for his medical with the Turin giants, with La Stampa reporting that the club have agreed a deal worth around €18 million with Atletico Madrid (h/t Football Italia). The move was also confirmed by Massimiliano Allegri, but the 47-year-old was eager to point out that it will not fall on one man to plug the gap left by the departure of their leading scorer, instead believing that an array of options will be enough to continue their success. "We don't have to replace him. What we have to do is sign players and study the way they play," the coach told Sky Sport Italia (h/t FourFourTwo). “Mandzukic is on his way and we have Zaza, Coman, Morata and Dybala, young players with a lot of quality.” While Allegri may well be proved correct in his analysis—as he has been so often since arriving at Juventus last summer—there is little doubt that all eyes will be on Mandzukic when the 2015/16 gets underway. In that same interview, the coach offered a little insight into why the club had targeted the 29-year-old as he went on to say: Mandzukic has scored everywhere he has played. He has a lot of personality and plays at international level. He'll do a good job. We signed him because he was the player we wanted. I'm really happy because that was our choice. Looking back on the player’s career so far shows just how accurate that assessment is, as he had already netted 100 career goals before his €13 million move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2012. He stayed with the Bavarian giants for two seasons, lifting the Bundesliga title twice and helping the team win the Champions League as part of their memorable treble in 2013. Adding the German and UEFA Super Cups, as well as the FIFA World Club Cup, Mandzukic would score 48 times in just 88 appearances before leaving for Spain. OptaFranz @OptaFranz 29 - Mario Mandzukic scored 53 goals in 110 apps in the Bundesliga for Bayern and Wolfsburg, today he celebrates his 29th birthday. Later, he told Sportske Novosti that he realised “there was no future for me” at the Allianz Arena, adding that Pep Guardiola “didn’t treat me with respect,” (h/t Football Espana). With Atleti, he bagged 20 goals in all competitions for the third consecutive season, his playing style meshing perfectly with Diego Simeone’s approach to the game. Like Tevez, Mandzukic will bring non-stop running, a tireless work ethic and incredible stamina to Juventus, but the two men are very different players. The Argentinian is a much more creative player, weighing in with eight assists in 2014/15. Statistics from Squawka show he also laid on 61 scoring chances for his team-mates last season. The same source shows Mandzukic, whose strengths clearly lie in other facets of the game, created just 23 such opportunities. Clearly not likely to beat his defender with a flash of skill like Tevez, the Croatian will rely on those around him to give him an opening, which he will hope to take advantage of with his clinical finishing ability. As Allegri noted, one man cannot replace Carlos Tevez. However, in Mario Mandzukic, Juventus have found one who can score goals at a similar rate, and they will certainly need that next season.

Juventus Contract Offer Will Be No Formality For Allegri http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/juventus-contract-offer-will-be-no-formality-for-allegri/?http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/juventus-contract-offer-will-be-no-formality-for-allegri/? Jun 21, 2015 Juventus sporting director Beppe Marotta is expected to discuss a new deal with coach Massimiliano Allegri, when the tactician returns from Sardinia in the second week of July. Having reached the Champions League final at the end of last season, the Bianconeri were undone by a rampant Barcelona side but having already secured the Serie A title and Coppa Italia trophy, the Turin-based outfit nonetheless had a very successful campaign. According to La Stampa, Allegri’s performance in his first year has meant that he will be offered an extra 12 months on top of his current contract, which was set to expire in 2016, as well as a salary of €2.5 million per season. However, due to the hastiness in which the former AC Milan boss was hired after previous incumbent Antonio Conte left the club, Allegri is expected to request an improvement on this offer, in line with salaries earned by other top Italian league coaches.

Mandzukic: 'Juve my new home' http://www.football-italia.net/68114/mandzukic-juve-my-new-home? Jun 21, 2015 Mario Mandzukic told Juventus fans he will “give my best in my new home” after arriving for his medical. The Atletico Madrid striker arrived in Turin this evening and spoke to the club website. “I feel very good, the city is nice and I was here two or three times to play. It’s a nice city and I hope I will be happy here,” said the Croatia international. He was asked if he had a message for the new supporters. “I can only say that I will do my best. I will fight for my new team. I know Juventus have great supporters, that is why I am happy. “It is now my new home and don’t worry, I will give my best.”

Mandzukic lands in Turin ahead of Juventus move The striker has arrived in Italy as he prepares to complete his move to the Bianconeri. http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2015/06/21/12941492/-? Jun 21, 2015 Mario Mandzukic has landed in Turin ahead of sealing an €18 million move to Juventus. The Atletico Madrid striker has spent just one season in Spain after moving to the Vicente Calderon from Bayern Munich last summer. But with Carlos Tevez informing Juve of his desire to return to Argentina, the Bianconeri swiftly made the Croatia international their priority signing. Mandzukic will undergo a medical on Monday, with Juve set to pay a basic €15m fee, with a further €3m in add-ons. The 29-year-old will earn €3.5m a year after tax and will sign a three-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months. MarioMandzukic9 has just touched down in Turin! Welcome, Mario!

PSG Ready €98 Million Bid For Juventus Star http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/psg-ready-e98-million-bid-for-juventus-star/? Jun 21, 2015 Paris Saint-Germain would be readying a mammoth bid for Juventus star Paul Pogba according to Spanish reports. Rumours around Pogba’s departure have been ride since the opening of the summer transfer window, with a number of Europe’s biggest clubs looking to lure the Juventus midfielder away from Turin. Marca report that PSG would be preparing an impressive €98 million bid to prize Pogba away from Juventus. With the Bianconeri already very active in the transfer window, since the acquisitions of Atletico Madrid’s Mario Mandzukic, Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira and Palermo’s Paulo Dybala, the Spanish media report that Juventus would not be averse to Pogba’s departure if their €80 million price tag is met. Pogba arrived at Juventus in 2012 from Manchester United, making 89 appearances and scoring 20 goals for the Bianconeri since.

Boca Juniors expect to agree Carlos Tevez deal with Juventus next week http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2500063/boca-juniors-expect-to-agree-carlos-tevez-deal-with-juventus? Jun 21, 2015 Boca Juniors are hopeful they will formalise a deal to sign Carlos Tevez from Juventus by Wednesday. Tevez, 31, has one year remaining on his contract at Juve but has spoken of his desire to return to Boca, his first professional club, for some time. Boca president Daniel Angelici told ESPN FC radio last week that it may be difficult to agree a transfer with the Italian champions, but Carlos Aguas, who serves on the Argentine club's board of directors, said he is now confident that the transfer will happen. "We must wait until Tuesday or Wednesday next week to make Tevez official," he told reporters. "Everything is advanced, but until we have the signature we can't make it official. "We are still missing a few details, which is why Angelici is travelling to Italy. We are going there with a list of players that they want. We're going to find a solution there. We are very close." Italian newspaper Tuttosport has suggested that Boca midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur could be involved in the deal but, part-exchange deals aside, the Argentine club are not planning any other sales. Aguas added: "We don't need to sell anyone to bring 'Carlitos' here -- he is within the [budgetary] parameters. "Without question we are going to have the best squad in Argentine football. We already did, but the arrival of Tevez will lift us even further." Juventus have already secured cover for Tevez as coach Massimiliano Allegri announced last week that Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic has agreed to move to Turin. Atletico had also been keen to sign Tevez this summer, but coach Diego Simeone told TyC Sports he understood his fellow Argentine's desire to return to Boca. "I didn't talk with him, but Atletico did," Simeone said in quotes reported by Marca. "He had the chance to rejoin Boca. "What's important for a world-class player of his calibre is to finish his career where he wants, because he deserves the best and has given so much to the game. He's a much-loved player in Argentina."

Mandzukic set for Juve medical http://www.football-italia.net/68091/mandzukic-set-juve-medical? Jun 21, 2015 Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic is expected to have his Juventus medical in Turin today or tomorrow. The transfer has been agreed for several days at a reported fee of €26m and Coach Max Allegri spoke about the Croatian as a done deal. “It’s not that we have to replace Carlod Tevez, but rather sign players and evaluate the playing style,” said Allegri. “Mandzukic has arrived, we have Simone Zaza, Kingsley Coman, Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala – all young players of great quality. “Mandzukic scored goals in every League, has strong character, is of an international level and will do well. We signed Mandzukic because we specifically wanted him. He’s a great player and I am very happy.” Sky Sport Italia claim the matter could finally be officialised today or at the latest tomorrow, as Mandzukic is expected to fly in for a medical and then put pen to paper.

David Villa: It Would Be Great To Play With Pirlo At NYCFC http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/david-villa-it-would-be-great-to-play-with-pirlo-at-nycfc/? Jun 21, 2015 New York City FC forward David Villa has revealed that he would be happy to play alongside Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo if he were to join the new MLS side. The Italian has been heavily linked with a move to the American team in recent months and is reportedly on the verge of completing a deal with them in the coming days, which has caused the former Barcelona man to express his praise for the Serie A legend. Villa spoke to the press about the possibility of Pirlo joining NYCFC and admitted that he would love to be on the same team as the Juve star, but insists that it’s still too soon to talk about. “It would be great to have the good fortune of being able to play with Pirlo, he’s a great player and a world star,” said the 33-year-old. “It would definitely be a great thing, but it’s still too early to talk about it.”

Juventus star Pirlo set for New York City FC The 36-year-old midfielder is on the verge of joining former England international Frank Lampard and Spain's all-time record goalscorer, David Villa, at Yankee Stadium. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2015/06/21/12935582/-? Jun 21, 2015 Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo will seal a switch to New York City FC on Friday, Goal understands. The Italy international still has a year to run on his contract with the Bianconeri and had previously claimed that he would only consider leaving Turin if Massimiliano Allegri's men lifted the Champions League earlier this month. However, despite Juve's 3-1 loss to Barcelona in Berlin, the uncertainty surrounding the midfielder's future has only intensified in recent weeks and, on Saturday, the 36-year-old attended a New York Yankees baseball game at Yankee Stadium - which is also home to NYCFC. Goal has now learned that Pirlo has agreed a move to MLS and will be confirmed as an NYCFC player before the end of the week. Pirlo will join former England international Frank Lampard and Spain's all-time record goalscorer, David Villa, at a club that only entered MLS this season. Set-piece specialist Pirlo played 115 matches for Italy and was a key component in the side that claimed World Cup glory in 2006. Despite his advancing years he remained a key player for Juventus last season, starting the Champions League final, and scored five Serie A goals in 19 starts and one substitute appearance as the Old Lady lifted the league title for a fourth straight time.

Allegri Considering Tactical Change http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/juventus-coach-allegri-considering-tactical-change/?? Jun 21, 2015 A tactical revolution could be on the cards at Juventus Stadium as Massimiliano Allegri considers switching to a 4-3-3 formation for 2015/16. The Bianconeri have been set up around the 4-4-2 diamond and 3-5-2 systems under both Allegri and former coach Antonio Conte, but in a recent interview the ex-AC Milan coach alluded towards a move to 4-3-3. “Playing wingers in a 4-3-3?” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia, “the next player we sign could have the right characteristics for doing that.” This could be a big hint as to the next player that joins the Old Lady, with the Serie A champions having already acquired the likes of Sami Khedira and Paulo Dybala in the early weeks of the transfer window. Allegri, of course, won the Scudetto with the Rossoneri by playing a similar 4-4-2 diamond formation to the one played by Juve last season, so this would signal a large change from the Italian’s previous successes.

Boca: 'Tevez by Wednesday' http://www.football-italia.net/68084/boca-tevez-wednesday? Jun 21, 2015 Boca Juniors director Carlos Aguas said Carlos Tevez will join them “at the latest on Wednesday,” but Juventus want remuneration. The striker has one more year left to run on his contract and is fresh from arguably the best season of his career. He wants to return ‘home’ to Boca and Juve have said they will try to make him happy. “We want to have the best squad in Argentina and with Tevez we’ll improve our team,” technical director Aguas told reporters. “To make it official we must wait until Tuesday or at the latest Wednesday. Everything is in movement, so we just need the final signature.” However, Italian papers claim Juventus want €5m to release Tevez a year early from his contract. The gap could be bridged by the inclusion of a player in the deal, specifically Rodrigo Bentancur.

Andrea Pirlo close to New York City move http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2499910/juventus-andrea-pirlo-close-to-new-york-city-move-reports? Jun 21, 2015 Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who attended a Yankees game on Saturday, is reported to be close to a move to New York City FC. The Daily Mail reports Pirlo spoke to NYC FC chief executive Ferran Soriano pitchside during the game at Yankee Stadium, which is also used by the Major League Soccer club. The New York Post reports that "multiple sources said a signing could come next week," although La Stampa suggests that Pirlo, whose Juve contract runs until 2016, is likely to stay with the Italian champions until February before making the move. calciomercato.com @cmdotcom #Juve, #Pirlo è già a New York, ma il trasferimento in #MLS slitta a gennaio Sources had told ESPN FC earlier this month that NYCFC were in pole position to sign the Italy international, who would join Frank Lampard and David Villa as the club's Designated Players. Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri told Sky Sport Italia on Friday that the Champions League finalists were not looking to offload the 36-year-old but said he "must decide for himself" whether he wants to move on. Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco, who played alongside Pirlo with Italy and Juve, has told Sky Sport Italia he has spoken to the midfielder about MLS. "I spoke to Andrea and told him what I think: that this is an experience worth having," he said in quotes translated by Football Italia. "Of course, then only he can decide his future." The 28-year-old added: "I had two and a half wonderful years at Juventus, I won what I needed to win and did what was asked of me. I am happy to be here in Toronto and have no regrets. "I knew it would be more difficult for me to get called up for the [italian national team] playing out here, but it remains my objective nonetheless. I will certainly do everything to wear the Azzurri jersey again."

Pirlo to New York in February? http://www.football-italia.net/68072/pirlo-new-york-february? Jun 21, 2015 Andrea Pirlo is in the Big Apple, but it’s reported he’ll play for Juventus until February, then join New York City FC. The midfielder was spotted at Yankee Stadium last night with his family to watch a baseball game and happily posed for pictures with fans. It is well known that he is considering a move to America’s MLS and the destination would be NYCFC. Today both La Stampa and La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport suggest Juve have worked out a time-share scheme with Pirlo for next season. The 36-year-old is likely to remain in Turin for the first half of the campaign, then leave in February to join New York City FC. His contract with Juve is not set to expire until June 2016.

Liverpool eye up Fernando Llorente? http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/liverpool/transfer-talk/news/liverpool-eye-up-fernando-llorente_229334.html Jun 21, 2015 Liverpool have reportedly turned their attention towards Juventus striker Fernando Llorente after their pursuit of Aston Villa hitman Christian Benteke hit a snag. The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for the Belgian marksman but are said to be unwilling to meet Villa's £32.5m valuation of the 24-year-old. Consequently, manager Brendan Rodgers has begun to search elsewhere and has identified the Spain international as a plan-B option, according to the Daily Mail. The Bianconeri's signing of Mario Mandzukic is expected to push the 30-year-old further down the pecking order in Turin, prompting Llorente to leave the club. His contract with the Italian champions expires in 2017.

Juve, Bentancur for Tevez? http://www.football-italia.net/68023/juve-bentancur-tevez? Jun 20, 2015 Juventus may ask for Rodrigo Bentancur as part of the deal to bring Carlos Tevez to Boca Juniors. There is a consensus that the Old Lady's Argentine champion will be returning to the club he made his professional debut for, with Boca officials expected in Italy. Tuttosport confirmed today that the President of the Xeneizes Daniel Angelici will be in Italy tomorrow to negotiate the transfer. The publication suggests that Juventus will ask for the ownership of Boca playmaker Bentancur as part of the deal. Bentancur will turn 18 on June 25, but is reportedly already valued by his club at €5.5m.

Llorente has German options http://www.football-italia.net/68019/llorente-has-german-options? Jun 19, 2015 Fernando Llorente is due to leave Juventus with Monaco, Wolfsburg and Borussia Monchengladbach all potential destinations. The striker is no longer required in Turin after the arrival of Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and most likely also Simone Zaza from Sassuolo. Monaco are currently the favourites for Llorente’s signature, but the Spaniard is also wanted in Germany. Both Borussia Monchengladbach and Wolfsburg are believed to be interested in signing the striker, according to Sky Sport Italia. Any money from a transfer will be a bonus for Juve, who picked Llorente up as a free agent when his contract with Athletic Bilbao expired.

Pogba needs to stay at Juventus, says Allegri The head coach believes it is in the midfielder's best interests to remain in Turin this summer. http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2015/06/20/12895942/-? Jun 19, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri believes star midfielder Paul Pogba needs to stay at Juventus in order to develop properly. The 22-year-old has been heavily linked to a move away from Turin this summer, with senior figures at Barcelona and Real Madrid both confirming interest in him, while Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked. However, Allegri insists Juve have no need to cash in on the France international just yet and feels it is in his best interests to remain in Italy. "The club does not need to sell Pogba," the head coach told Sky Italia. "It depends on what the player wants, but I talked to him and I left happy. "He is young and still needs to stay at Juve to develop. It is easier to grow in an environment like this and he has many years ahead of him. "Juve are a great team at the same level of the others in Europe and he has to have the right motivation to have another good season."

Allegri: Mandzukic is a proven goalscorer The Juventus head coach is "very happy" the striker is set to join his side from Atletico Madrid and is expecting goals from the Croatian. http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2015/06/19/12893222/-? Jun 19, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed Mario Mandzukic is set to join Juventus and spoke of his confidence that the striker will deliver goals in Italy. The Croatia international is nearing an €18 million move to the Serie A champions from Atletico Madrid, just one year after arriving in Spain from Bayern Munich. Mandzukic is seen as a potential replacement to Carlos Tevez - who could be set to return to Argentina with Boca Juniors - and Allegri is optimistic the 29-year-old will be a success in Serie A, having already proven his worth with his previous clubs. "We must not try to replace Tevez but rather sign players and see based on them what way we would like to play," Allegri told Sky Italia. "We have Alvaro Morata, Paulo Dybala and Mandzukic is arriving too. "Mandzukic is a player who has scored goals in every league he has played in. He has character and is a striker of international level who will do well in Italy. "We took him because we wanted him, he is a great player and I am very happy with his arrival."

Barcelona Plan Mammoth €100 Million Bid For Pogba http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/barcelona-plan-mammoth-e100-million-bid-for-juventus-star/? Jun 19, 2015 Barcelona would already be working on the future transfer of Paul Pogba, readying a colossal bid for the Juventus star. Pogba is set to be this summer transfer window’s hottest property, with a host of clubs already chasing his signature. Barcelona would be preparing their offensive on Pogba, promising an offer Juventus cannot refuse at the end of it. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona would be readying an astounding €100 million bid for the Frenchman. The Spanish media add that Barcelona will look to raise half of the funds through sales, and put up the remaining €50m to lodge the mammoth bid. Finally, the Catalan giants would offer Pogba a deal worth €12m per season should the 22-year-old accept a Barcelona switch.

Allegri: 'Mandzukic will do well' http://www.football-italia.net/67998/allegri-mandzukic-will-do-well? Jun 19, 2015 Max Allegri welcomed Mario Mandzukic to Juventus, but admits Paul Pogba and Andrea Pirlo must decide their next steps. The Coach spoke to Sky Sport Italia during the launch of his training camp for young players. “It has been an important year. We fell just short at the Final, but it was a good Champions League campaign. At the decisive moment in that Final, the next goal would win. Unfortunately, Barcelona scored it. “We should’ve defended better on the first goal and Gigi Buffon did well to prevent 2-0 in the first half, but after that it was a good and even game.” Juventus are revamping this summer with Mandzukic from Atletico Madrid, as Carlos Tevez is heading back to Boca Juniors. They also signed Sami Khedira on a free transfer and Paulo Dybala from Palermo for approximately €40m. “All of them can play, as during the season there will be room for everybody. We went all the way in every competition because of the strength in depth. “It’s not that we have to replace Tevez, but rather sign players and evaluate the playing style. Mandzukic has arrived, we have Simone Zaza, Kingsley Coman, Alvaro Morata and Dybala – all young players of great quality. “By the end of the transfer window I could have 10 players in the squad born after 1990. “Mandzukic scored goals in every League, has strong character, is of an international level and will do well. We signed Mandzukic because we specifically wanted him. He’s a great player and I am very happy.” There are strong reports that Allegri has requested Chelsea talent Oscar as well. “We are completing the squad. You can have money to spend, but if the parent clubs don’t want to sell, then you can have €1bn and not get anywhere. “Will we sign a winger who can play 4-3-3? The last pick could well have those characteristics, yes.” While Tevez is on his way out, Pirlo and Pogba are also considering their futures. “Pirlo has to decide whether to continue at certain levels or have an experience abroad. He will tell the club after four extraordinary years. He was decisive again this season. “The club has no need to sell Pogba, but it will also depend on what the player wants. I spoke to him and he’s happy to stay. He is young and still needs time at Juventus to grow. “He has a long career in front of him, plus Juve are a big club and he’ll have the right motivation for another important year.”