Juventus sign Andrea Pirlo; Bayern offer €21 million for Neuer

Juventus sign Andrea Pirlo

Juventus have signed Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo on a free contract, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

The Bianconeri have been hot on the trail of Milan veteran ever since it was revealed that he could quit San Siro at the end of the season.

Juventus officials have reportedly met with Pirlo’s representatives and have reached an agreement to sign the player on a three-year contract.

Milan chiefs opted against offering a new deal to the Italy international who missed the big part of the season through injury, with Juventus jumping at the opportunity to sign the creative midfielder.

The 31-year-old will now have a chance for a fresh start and he is expected to help the Old Lady return to the right track following several disappointing seasons.

Pirlo’s arrival to Olimpico could hinder Alberto Aquilani’s proposed move to Juventus, with the Bianconeri unwilling to meet Liverpool’s valuation of the player.

The Turin giants have stayed without Champions League football once again, but they are determined to build a side capable of challenging for honours, with Pirlo’s arrival definitely a step in the right direction.

Bayern offer €21 million for Neuer

Bayern Munich have raised their offer for Manuel Neuer to €21 million, according to Bild.

Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, managing director Karl Hopfner and manager Christian Nerlinger met with Schalke officials Horst Heldt and Peter Peters for the second round of negotiations.

Schalke director Horst Heldt has confirmed the meeting took place.

“Yes, we had a decent conversation,” Heldt told Bild.

It is believed that Bayern have raised their initial offer to €18 million plus €7 million in performance related bonuses, €3 million of which would be guaranteed.

The Bavarians have thus significantly improved their first offer which was €14 million plus €4 million in performance related bonuses and it appears that two parties are now close to reaching an agreement.

The Schalke officials were angry with Bayern following their initial offer and they even threatened to break off the negotiations.

“Bayern’s offer was not worth mentioning, it was no acceptable,” Heldt told Bild following the initial talks with Bayern.

However, Schalke chiefs seem content with the latest offer and everything suggests the two sides will soon reach an agreement that will see Manuel Neuer move to Alianz Arena.

Javi Martinez signs contract extension

Spain international Javi Martinez has revealed that he has signed a new long-term deal with Athletic Bilbao.

The player’s contract with Athletic was due to expire in June 2013, but the 22-year-old midfielder has now agreed a two-year contract extension.

The club chiefs used this opportunity to increase the value of Martinez’s release clause as they are desperate to hold on to one of their most prized assets amidst interest from big European clubs.

The official announcement will be made later today, as hinted by the player’s comments on his Twitter page.

“This afternoon will announce a very pleasant surprise for me…And hopefully, for you all.”

Despite his fragile age, Martinez has already become an essential part of Joaquin Caparros’ side, having featured in 195 games during the five years at the club.

The 22-year-old is also regarded an important part of Spain national team and he was part of La Furia Roja side that won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Martinez arrived to San Mames as a 17-year-old, with Athletic paying Osasuna €6 million for his services, but that proved to be a visionary move as the player soon become a key player for los Leones.

[Source: AS]

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