Juventus confirm interest in world class trio; Leverkusen announce Barnetta departure

Juventus confirm interest in world class trio

Juventus general manager Giuseppe Marotta has disclosed the club’s transfer plans in an interview with Il Corriere dello Sport.

The Bianconeri are determined to build on what was a very promising season and they have high ambitions for the upcoming campaign.

“We have to try and win the Champions League, our prestige obliges us to do that. Juve can’t only be content with taking part,” Giuseppe Marrotta said.

Signing a world-class striker is a priority in the summer transfer window and the transfer guru confirms one of Robin Van Persie, Gonzalo Higuain and Luis Suarez could arrive to Turin.

“Van Persie is one of the best players in circulation,” he smiled. “It is possible that he, along with Suarez and Higuain, will be one of the top players we are after. They are interesting players.”

Marotta also moved to confirm reports linking the Bianconeri with a move for Udinese playmaker Kwadwo Asamoah.

“Conte is a flexible Coach and we are looking for a versatile midfielder. Udinese’s Asamoah? He’s one of the names.”

Leverkusen announce Barnetta departure

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed reports that star winger Tranquillo Barnetta is set to leave the club at the end of the season.

The Swiss international picked up a serious knee injury at the start of the season and has only recently returned into action.

The player was offered a contract extension by the club, but he rejected the offer and decided to leave die Werkself when his deal expires in June.

“Tranquillo has turned down our offer and he will leave us on June 30,” Bayer general manager Wolfgang Holzhauser told club’s official website.

“This is very regrettable because we wanted to extend his contract, but we could not reach an agreement financially.”

Before suffering a career threatening injury, the 27-year-old was linked with moves to Newcastle and Lazio, and there is every chance that top European clubs will be battling for his signature in the summer.

Barnetta is now set to leave Bayer Leverkusen after spending eight years at the club, during which he scored 23 goals in 187 Bundesliga games.

Borussia Dortmund chasing Luuk de Jong

Borussia Dortmund have entered the race to sign Twente striker Luuk de Jong, according to Bild.

The German Bundesliga champions are looking to sign a new striker in the view of Lucas Barrios’ departure and they have set their sights on the Dutch international.

The interesting thing is that Borussia Moenchengladbach are also keen on the highly rated forward.

Twente chief Aldo van der Laan recently confirmed that the player was followed by a number of Bundesliga clubs, and it looks that two Borussias will be fighting each other for the player’s signature.

The Dutch club understand they won’t be able to hold on to their prized asset now that they have missed out on European qualification and Bild claims the Tukkers value the player at €8 million.

The 21-year-old has been in scintillating form this season, having scored 25 goals in 33 Eredivisie games.

For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2011/12 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.