Giovinco clings to Juve

Sebastian Giovinco is wanted by Udinese in exchange for Gaetano D’Agostino, but the youngster has no intention of leaving Juventus.

“I have reaffirmed my desire to remain at Juventus and to give it my best in a club it is impossible to quit,” said agent Claudio Pasqualin.

“This is one of the most prestigious clubs in the world.”

Giovinco is a product of the Bianconeri youth academy, but struggled to make an impact last season under Claudio Ranieri.

He publicly blamed the Coach for holding back his career, stating “evidently Ranieri didn’t like me. It’s difficult to make your mark when you never play.”

Udinese have formally requested Giovinco as part of the deal bringing Italian international midfielder D’Agostino to Turin.

Juve have refused and so that transfer has stalled, which is very pleasing for Giovinco.

“He never thought about leaving Juventus,” assured agent Pasqualin. “We are very pleased to see the top stars arriving, like Diego, and Sebastian has the healthy arrogance to fight it out with all of them.”

Giovinco will be taking part in the European Under-21 Championships with Italy next week.

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Tiago: 'Serie A doesn't suit me'

Tiago Mendes admits he is not cut out for Juventus or Serie A, so he is seeking a move elsewhere this summer.

The Portuguese midfielder has been something of a flop in his two seasons in Turin and the time has come for him to move on.

“I have a contract that ties me to Juventus until 2012, but in football you never know,” he told Portuguese media Maisfutbol.

“French football does not receive much publicity, but I was happy there. Obviously the Premier League is right up there, but Italian football is very tactical and does not suit my characteristics.

“A return to Portugal would also be a nice option, as I have never won the title in my homeland and given the opportunity I’d like to achieve that dream.”

Juventus paid £10m for Tiago two years ago and are highly unlikely to get back that sum of money by selling him on now.

The former Chelsea and Olympique Lyonnais player seemed very slow and sluggish in Serie A, struggling to come to terms with the style of football.

The Bianconeri are already eyeing up replacements, as an offer for Udinese’s Gaetano D’Agostino has stalled, so Lazio midfielder Cristian Ledesma is another alternative.

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Secco: Juve want Italy duo

Alessio Secco confirms that Juventus are interested in signing Italian internationals Andrea Dossena and Fabio Grosso.

The Bianconeri have already brought in Diego from Werder Bremen and free agent Fabio Cannavaro, but this is just the beginning of their transfer campaign.

“Dossena and Grosso? I can only say that these are not names far from the reality of our wish-list,” the director of sport told Spazio Radio.

Both players are currently in South Africa for the Confederations Cup and have hinted at a desire to return to Serie A from Liverpool and Lyon respectively.

Secco also gave a round-up of the other irons in the fire for Juventus this summer.

“Right now we are waiting for Genoa’s decision on [Domenico] Criscito, as they have until June 25 to take up their option.

“We did look at [Stuttgart defender Serdar] Tasci two months ago, but since securing Cannavaro he is no longer a player that interests us. Besides, he won’t be a free agent.”

In order for these new players to come in, some of the Juve squad must be released to make way.

“Juventus don’t want to send anyone away, but [Marco] Marchionni could be at a disadvantage with the new diamond midfield system. Therefore if we find a better solution then he will leave.”

David Trezeguet, Jonathan Zebina, Tiago Mendes and Christian Poulsen are also rumoured to be on the market.

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Acquafresca set for young Juve

Robert Acquafresca could be the latest addition to Juventus’ bright young team after he was rejected by Inter.

“It makes me very proud, I never would’ve imagined a club of that calibre being interested in me,” he told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I wish to make clear I never demanded a regular first team spot, just the chance to challenge for a place with everyone.”

The Cagliari striker scored an impressive 14 Serie A goals this season, but that was not enough for Jose Mourinho to recall him to San Siro.

He has been handed over to Genoa as part of the deal bringing Thiago Motta and Diego Milito to Inter, but does not have a space in the Rossoblu squad.

“This is one of those classic situations in which one door closes and another opens up,” added Acquafresca.

David Trezeguet is on his way out of Turin as part of the rejuvenation strategy under new Coach Ciro Ferrara.

Under-21 international Acquafresca would represent a valid and young alternative to Amauri and Vincenzo Iaquinta.

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Dossena enjoys Juve attention

Andrea Dossena says he is happy at Liverpool, but having said that, “it's always pleasing to be wanted by a club like Juventus.”

The full-back is currently in South Africa for the Confederations Cup and is keeping an eye on transfer activity back in Europe.

“I will always have a special eye out for Italy and it's always pleasing to be wanted by a club like Juventus,” he told Sky Italia television.

“Liverpool are a great club and I am happy to be playing here. I am having a good experience in England.

“But if there was to be a deal between my agent, Juve and Liverpool, then I would certainly consider the proposal.”

Dossena moved to the Premier League last summer from Udinese and was wanted by Rafa Benitez, but it is believed the club is ready to release him.

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