D'Alessandro Not Ready For Serie A, Says Juve Chief
Friday 4th January 2002
Juventus have ruled out an imminent swoop for �18 million-rated River Plate midfielder Andres D'Alessandro.
I recognise his talent, but D'Alessandro is too young and needs to get stronger before making it in Serie A," said sports director Luciano Moggi.
Our agent in Argentina, Omar Sivori, recommended that we buy D'Alessandro, but it is not the right moment."
Buenos Aires giants River added that reports of a Juve bid for D'Alessandro were wide of the mark.
Club president Jose Maria Aguilar said: We haven't had any official offer from any club for D'Alessandro. I read what the press wrote about Juventus, but we haven't heard anything.
We want to keep D'Alessandro as long as possible, but if a serious offer arrives which makes sense for the player and the future of the club, we will have to sell him.
"We can't deny that the international market rules nowadays. But I don't see anything happening in the short-term.
D'Alessandro trained with Premiership side West Ham United in January 2001, but the Londoners were only prepared to offer �3 million for a player Argentinians rate as the greatest player of his generation.
Scouts from Manchester United and Internazionale have also been sent to watch the 20-year-old, who sprung to fame at the 2001 World Youth Championships.
D'Alessandro said recently: At the moment I only think about River, although Manchester United would be something really big for the future. But I would only like to leave after winning a title with River."
