Juve close in on Vieri
Thursday 3 June, 2004
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Juventus are on the verge of signing Christian Vieri after a deal was reportedly agreed with Inter.
The Bianconeri are in the hunt for the striker and it’s alleged that further talks took place last night.
The Old Lady are ready to hand over Marco Di Vaio and goalkeeper Fabian Carini, plus £5m, in exchange for the 31-year-old.
It’s also understood that Inter have the option to take Enzo Maresca from the Turin giants instead of the cash if they so desire.
Juve have been after Vieri for some time and see him as an ideal alternative for David Trezeguet.
The French international, whose contract expires in 2005, is set to be sold to Barcelona this summer.
Vieri, who is also liked by Real Madrid, would be keen on a return to Juventus after his difficulties with Inter boss Alberto Zaccheroni last season.
However, he would be expected to take a cut in wages if he does move to the Stadio Delle Alpi outfit.
The former Atletico Madrid and Lazio ace currently nets around £4m a season but Juve are unlikely to match that figure.
The Italian media seem convinced that a deal will be done but Nerazzurri chief Massimo Moratti is playing it cool.
"A lot of clubs are interested in Vieri, it’s not just Juventus," said Moratti. "For now he’s with the national side and we should leave him in peace.
"Will we sell him? (President Giacinto) Facchetti knows more than me but we are looking to build a side with Vieri in it."
