Wolfsburg call off hunt for Juve’s Diego

WOLFSBURG, Germany (AFP) – Former German champions Wolfsburg have dropped their interest in signing Brazilian midfielder Diego from Juventus, the Bundesliga club said on Thursday.

Last weekend, Wolfsburg were reported to be on the verge of finalising a deal to bring the 25-year-old back to the Bundesliga, but Wolves general manager Dieter Hoeness now insists they have lost interest.

“The state of things is that we have now closed the book today, the problem is not with us or Diego,” revealed Hoeness.

“First Diego was offered for sale, then he wasn’t.

“We are putting an end to this back-and-forth everyday, lest it becomes a never-ending story.”

Diego signed a deal worth 24.5 million euros last summer when he joined Juventus from Werder Bremen.

Hoeness said he had had originally agreed a sale with Juventus and then started negotiations with the Brazilian, but the Italian club then rejected the offer, believed to be around 14 million euros.

With Diego’s transfer now off the table, Hoeness says Wolfsburg are still in the hunt for players before the transfer window closes on August 31.

But despite reports in the British media that Wolfsburg are chasing Liverpool’s Ryan Babel, the Bundesliga club have denied any interest.

Wolfsburg, who finished eighth in the league last term, are aiming for an improved result in the coming season under the helm of former England manager Steve McClaren.

McClaren has managed to retain the services of Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko, who became a target for several clubs after finishing as the Bundesliga’s top scorer last season with 22 goals in 34 games.