Marchionni key to Pasqual deal

Juventus are thinking about offering Fiorentina Marco Marchionni in exchange for Manuel Pasqual, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Bianconeri are looking for a left-back ahead of next season, as Cristian Molinaro and Paolo De Ceglie are both out injured.

Juventus had initially considered making a bid for Fabio Grosso, but the Italy defender is 31 and still has five years left on his contract at Lyon.

Pasqual represents a much cheaper option as he only has a year left on his current deal with Fiorentina and just turned 27.

However, the Viola are playing hardball and their director of sport, Pantaleo Corvino, recently said: “Pasqual is not on the market.”

He might change his mind, though, now Juventus are thinking about making Marchionni part of the deal.

Fiorentina Coach Cesare Prandelli has always admired the right winger and worked with him at Parma.

The likelihood of Marchionni leaving grew today, as Bruno Carpeggiani, his agent, admitted his client could be surplus to requirements in Turin.

“Marco could be put on the market for technical reasons. With Juventus playing a diamond in midfield there is no need for wingers,” he said.

However, Carpeggiani denied having made any arrangement that would see Marchionni move to the Viola.

“I have had absolutely no contact with Fiorentina even if in Florence there is a Coach who gave him his first big break.

“In any case, Marchionni still has two years left on his contract and does not need to find another team,” he concluded.

According La Gazzetta, Juventus Coach Ciro Ferrara wants all transfers completed by July 5 so any new players have time to assimilate with the team ahead of next season.
(C4)