Juventus set to sign Poulsen

Seville’s midfielder Christian Poulsen is expected to become Juventus’ latest summer signing according to a report in La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Juventus chief executive Jean-Claude Blanc and sporting director Alessio Secco will fly to Spain to conclude a deal worth 10 million euros to the 2005 and 2006 UEFA Cup winners, with Poulsen set to earn three million euros per year.

Poulsen’s transfer will also end the Turin club’s interest in Liverpool’s Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso, who was considered too expensive at 17.5 million euros with a four million euros a year contract.

The Denmark international will provide extra-cover for a midfield that has been in need of greater depth and will provide competition for Cristiano Zannetti and Mohamed Sissoko.

Poulsen is best known in Italy for being the player Italy striker Francesco Totti spat at during Euro 2004 to earn the Roma captain a three-match international ban.

Another player expected in northwest Italy is Siena’s Austrian goalkeeper Alex Manninger.

The ex-Arsenal custodian is wanted to provide experienced cover for Juventus and Italy number one Gianluigi Buffon.

The club will hope they have the same immediate impact as fellow summer signing, Amauri, who hit five goals in his first run out in the black and white shirt, albeit against lower-leaSeville’s midfielder Christian Poulsen is expected to become Juventus’ latest summer signingue Mezzocorona.