Juventus to Gazump Leeds With �20m Rio Bid
Monday 20th November 2000
West Ham defender Rio Ferdinand's impressive performance for England against
Italy last week has alerted Juventus, who are understood to be preparing a
�20 million bid.
The Londoners' coach Harry Redknapp has already rejected a �15 million offer
from Leeds this season, apparently because he believed a higher bid from
Italy or Spain was around the corner. And it appears that he was spot on.
Ferdinand comfortably shackled Juve star Pippo Inzaghi in Turin last
Wednesday, catching the eye on one occasion by flicking the ball over the
striker's head as he chased a dangerous through ball.
He was also arguably at fault for Gennaro Gattuso's winning goal, but
watching Juventus officials were impressed nonetheless and are ready to make
their move when the Serie A transfer window reopens in January, according to
reports in Italy.
Leeds were hoping that the current uncertainty over the transfer market
might tempt West Ham to accept their �15 million offer.
And the Juventus development is a blow for boss David O'Leary, who was
convinced that West Ham would eventually crack and sell their highly-rated
international.
But the Yorkshire club cannot compete with Juve's financial muscle. Chairman
Peter Ridadale said on Monday night: "West Ham can take it or leave it (the
�15 million bid).
"The player might be worth only �5 million to them in the near future,
depending on the outcome of EU deliberations.
"Our bid already constitutes a world record for a defender and is a measured
valuation. There will be no more. We already have alternative targets in
mind should Ferdinand go elsewhere."
Barcelona were also tracking Ferdinand in the summer, but spent the cash
raised from the �41 million sale of Luis Figo on midfielders instead.
But Bayern Munich manager Ottmar Hitzfeld has made it clear he is in the
market for a new defender after a series of defeats, and the German boss
admits: "Rio Ferdinand is an excellent player. He has a great future."
