Juventus join race for Raul Meireles; Fergie admits interest in Hanley

Juventus join race for Raul Meireles

Juventus are the latest club to have joined the race for Chelsea midfielder Raul Meireles, Tuttosport understands.

The Bianconeri currently boast a great midfield trio of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio, but Antonio Conte is eager to sign another midfielder to increase the competition for places.

According to Tuttosport, Juventus boss has set his sights on Chelsea midfielder Raul Meireles.

The Italian newspaper claims that Bianconeri sporting director Fabio Paratici watched the Portuguese midfielder in the Champions League clash between Chelsea and Benfica.

Despite entering the pitch just ten minutes from time, Meireles scored the winner for the Blues, thus once again proving his goalscoring abilities.

The 29-year-old is not exactly considered a key player at Stamford Bridge and he could decide to leave the Blues at the end of the season.

Juventus could face a stiff competition for the player’s signature seeing that Real Madrid recently expressed interest in Meireles.

Fergie admits interest in Hanley

Blackburn manager Steve Kean has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson praised young defender Grant Hanley after the 2-0 win over Rovers at Ewood Park.

The 20-year-old defender has been earning rave reviews for his performances this season and he impressed against Manchester United as well.

Sir Alex Ferguson was full of praise for the young Scot after the match and Blackburn boss Steve Kean is afraid the Red Devils manager could soon be making a bid for Hanley.

“He was very complimentary about Grant,” Kean told The Sun. “He thinks he’s good enough to play for Scotland for the next 10 to 15 years, and I agree.

“I hope Fergie’s not going to be putting a bid in. I said that to him. I told him leave it a bit longer because Grant is only just starting with us.”

Greg Hanley has formed a strong defensive partnership with Scott Dann at Ewood Park and he amassed no less than 20 Premier League appearances this season.

Bendtner delays decision on Sunderland future

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has revealed that he plans to decide on his future after the European Championships.

The Danish striker is currently on loan at Sunderland and Sun claims he could leave the Gunners for mere £4 million at the end of the season.

Black Cats boss Martin O’Neill would love to sign the Dane on permanent basis, but his high wages could prove to be obstacle to any deal.

As far as the player himself is concerned, he is still having second thoughts on Sunderland stay.

“I really like playing for Sunderland but we’ve got the Euros in the summer and after that we’ll see where we are,” Bendtner was quoted as saying in The Sun.

“It’s a total culture change living up here. I don’t really go out. It wasn’t the same in London. All my friends are back there as well.”

The 24-year-old is enjoying his time at the Stadium of Light, having scored 7 goals and created 5 assists in 23 Premier League games this season.

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