Juventus Close In On Olisadebe
Wednesday 12th December 2001
Juventus have opened talks with Panathinaikos forward Emmanuel Olisadebe, who could move to Turin next month. "There are discussions between Panathinaikos and Juventus and the player could be playing in Italy in January," confirmed the Poland star's agent Antonio Calliento.
The crisis-stricken Athens team could be tempted to cash in on Olisadebe now, as they look unlikely to qualify for the Champions' League next season after dropping to eighth place in the table.
The 22-year-old Nigeria-born forward has enjoyed a sensational year, scoring eight goals in the World Cup qualifying campaign, making his full Champions' League bow and being named on the shortlist for France Football's prestigious Ballon D'Or.
And the Greek club, who have parted company with coach Yiannis Kyrastas and midfielder Paulo Sousa in the last week, have refused to deny that a move is on the cards.
"If there are offers from other clubs we will look at them on their merits," a club spokesman said.
Last month, Olisadebe fell out with Kyrastas after he was left out of the side that won 2-1 at home to Aris Salonika. He said then: "I haven't decided yet whether I will stay or whether I will leave in the summer."
Olisadebe arrived in Athens during the winter in a complicated deal that saw Panathinaikos pay Polonia only a small fee up front. PAO believe they have an option to buy Olisadebe outright for �3 million, although his agent has disputed the fact.
The forward's transfer value has soared since his move, before which his goals helped Polonia win the Polish championship.
Juventus have been one striker short since Marcelo Salas was ruled out for the season after damaging knee ligaments in October, only months after joining Juve in a swap deal involving Yugoslav striker Darko Kovacevic.
Last month, Juventus' David Trezeguet has urged the club to sign a replacement for Salas. "Three strikers is not enough if we want to challenge in Europe and domestically," insisted the France international.
"Alessandro Del Piero, Nicola Amoruso and myself will have to do our best until January 1, but we should really have four forwards.
