Some NEWS 07/07/11

As we count down the days to the upcoming season, everyone is closely following the comings and goings of the transfer window. For the next few weeks I will start many news posts with transfer rumours. Followed by the main stories in the papers.

• Although Roma insist it’s not going to happen, many news agencies continue to report they are on the verge of snapping up Erik Lamela. River Plate’s recent relegation means they have had to lower the playmaker’s price to 12 million euros. Lamela would sign a five-year contract, earning 1.5 million euros a season.
• Spainish newspapers are claiming that Atletico Madrid have rejected a 35 million euro bid for Sergio Aguero from Juventus. The Bianconeri also reportedly offered full ownership of Tiago Mendes. It looks as though the Argentine striker is set to stay in Madrid instead, as Real will pay the 45 million euro buy-out clause.
• Napoli’s Ezequiel Lavezzi has quashed rumours of a reported move to Manchester City though his agent. Insisting he has “never” been contacted by the blue half of Manchester. Although their seems to have been no contact, Lavezzi also says that if an offer did come in he would have to “talk to Napoli”. With fellow countryman Carlos Tevez on his way out, El Pocho would be an ideal replacement.
• Rolando Bianchi looks set to join either Parma or Siena from Torino. A move to Serie A looks very likely as Torino are looking to raise cash quickly. He is a solid striker and will constantly get goals despite his age.

FIGC News
The Italian FA (FIGC) have raised the limit of non-EU players that can be bought per year. Previously clubs were only allowed to bring in one non-EU player, but it has now been increased to a maximum of two. Many predict this move will revolutionise spending. I can only see this move as positive considering Italian leagues are losing their credibility more and more every day. Lega Serie A President Maurizio Beretta explained the benefits and agreement:

“The return to two non-EU players restores competitiveness to Italian football. All the elements were in sync regarding this decision – Serie A, B, Lega Pro and amateurs.”

In other FIGC news, it looks almost certain that Inter will lose their 2006 Scudetto after the FIGC hold a final meeting regarding their findings from the Calciopoli II trial in Naples. Although they look unlikely face further sanctions. Chief investigator Stefano Palazzi has accused Inter of fraud. As many recorded phone conversations between former Inter officials and referee designators have been found. The strangest fact of all is according to the findings of the FIGC’s chief investigator, it is Inter, Milan and Livorno who should have been relegated in 2006 and not Juventus. This will certainly cause much debate between fans and journalists, but my question is: who is really to blame? If the findings are correct, why were Juve sent down?

Some Related Serie A Posts:

Category: Inter, Juventus, Napoli, Parma, Roma, Rumors & News, Serie A