Juventus interest in Belfodil confirmed; Nigel Reo-Coker moves to MLS

Juventus interest in Belfodil confirmed

Parma president Tommaso Ghirardi has moved to confirm reports linking talented forward Ishak Belfodil with a summer switch to Juventus.

The Bianconeri have been alerted of the player’s potential and they are seriously considering a summer bid for his services.

Parma president Tomasso Ghirardi admits he is aware that the Bianconeri are keeping tabs on the Frenchman.

“Juve are always attentive to the youngsters and Belfodil is one of the big surprises of the season,” Ghirardi told reporters ahead of Lega Calcio meeting.

“He is young and needs to mature, but is doing well and 7 goals are a lot. We are proud that he is followed by Juventus.”

Belfodil, 21, came through the youth ranks at Lyon, but was sold to Parma last summer after spending six months on loan at Bologna.

The forward has been in fine form this season, scoring 7 goals in 23 Serie A appearances, and has in turn seen his name linked with top European clubs.

Nigel Reo-Coker moves to MLS

Vancouver Whitecaps FC have announced on their official website that they have completed the signing of Nigel Reo-Coker.

The transfer is pending receipt of the player’s International Transfer Certificate and a visa, but contract terms were not disclosed.

“Nigel is a leader on and off the pitch,” head coach Martin Rennie said to club’s official website.

“Although he is only 28, Nigel brings a lot of experience to our club and will be a great addition.”

Reo-Coker had been a free agent since leaving Ipswich in January and he has decided to embark on a new challenge in his career.

The experienced midfielder has played for West Ham, Aston Villa and Bolton in the Premier League and was linked with Fulham and West Brom in the January transfer window.

Reo-Coker has made a total of 205 Premier League appearances and scored 11 goals in the process.

Anzhi linked to Adil Rami

French daily L’Equipe understands that Anzhi are keeping close tabs on Valencia defender Adil Rami.

The club from Makhachkala have been searching for a high-profile centre-back ever since Christopher Samba moved to QPR, and they have until next Thursday to sign him a replacement.

Anzhi have been linked with the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Fernando Amorebieta and Kolo Toure, while L’Equipe reports they are also keen on Valencia’s Adil Rami.

The highly rated defender has a contract until June 2015 at Mestalla, but his release clause was reduced from €25m to €12m on 1st February.

This could see Anzhi step up their interest in the defender who is now well within their price range, but it remains to be seen whether Rami would be prepared to leave La Liga for Russian Premier League.

The 27-year-old joined los Che from Lille in the summer of 2011 and has since developed into one of the best La Liga stoppers.

For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2012/13 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.