Nesta signs new Milan deal; Fergie chasing Ligue 1 hotshot

Nesta signs new Milan deal

Former Italy international Alessandro Nesta has signed a one-year extension to his current deal at Milan, according to the club’s official website.

Nesta was one of a handful of high profile Milan players whose contracts were due to expire at the end of the season.

However, the 35-year-old has signed a new one-year deal at San Siro after enjoying a very successful season with the Rossoneri.

The veteran centre back arrived to Milan from Lazio in 2002 and everything suggests that he will end his career at San Siro.

Nesta has been an integral part of Milan’s title winning squad and his defensive partnership with Thiago Silva was one of the main reason behind team’s impressive season.

Three other Milan players extended their deals with the club the previous day, with Flavio Roma and Mark van Bommel signing until 2012, whereas Thiago Silva penned a contract extension until 2016.

Alessandro Nesta decided to retire from international football in 2006, which has definitely helped extend his playing career to the delight of all Milan fans.

Fergie chasing Ligue 1 hotshot

Manchester United have shown interest in Lens defender Raphael Varane, according to L’Equipe.

The 18-year-old defender is already considered a first team regular at Felix Bollaert and has attracted a lot of admiring glances with his performances this season.

Manchester United are thought to be leading the race for his signature, but Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are also keen.

The youngster has scored his second goal of the season last weekend as his side drew with Monaco, but that game ended Lens’ hopes of avoiding the drop to Ligue 2.

Since Varane is reportedly unwilling to play in the second division, there is every chance that Lens will be forced to sell him this summer, with Manchester United already pondering an official bid.

The only problem is that the 18-year-old might not receive a work permit for the move to Old Trafford, and if that happens, Manchester United could send him on loan to a Ligue 1 side.

The Red Devils will try everything to help Varane receive a work permit, but they also have a plan B as Paris Saint-Germain would be prepared to take the player on loan, especially if Mamadou Sakho leaves the club.

Fiorentina star looking for Serie A move

Fiorentina midfielder Ricardo Montolivo has revealed that he would rather stay in Italy should he decide to leave Viola.

With his current deal set to expire in June 2012, the Italy international is widely tipped to leave Artemio Franchi at the end of the season, but Montolivo is not too keen on moving abroad.

“I want to continue playing in Italy. There is still plenty of time for an experience abroad,” Montolivo told Il Corriere dello Sport.

“I’d like to play for a side in the Champions League. After all, who wouldn’t?

“Juventus? They will certainly get back to winning ways. They have gone through a particularly difficult period, but I don’t think they will be missing from the top of the game for too much longer.”

“I still have a year left on my contract and I intend to respect it by giving my best, as I always have.

“My problem is not of an economical nature, but it revolves around the future of the side.

“I want a team that is based on the ones during Cesare Prandelli’s spell in charge. I think it is only right to have important objectives.

“If that’s not possible? It’s too early to say what will happen. I want to speak to the club first.

“I’m asking for guarantees, but only because I want to be put into a position where I can make a decision calmly.”

Having become a first team regular for Italy, Montolivo clearly deserves a chance at the big stage and everything suggests the Italian giants are set to start a bidding war for his services in the summer.

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