After cooling speculation that Marco Verratti was on the verge of joining Juventus” data-scaytid=”2″>Juventus, Pescara confirm that Napoli are also in negotiations for the midfielder.
After cooling speculation that Marco Verratti was on the verge of joining Juventus, Pescara confirm that Napoli are also in negotiations for the midfielder.
Verratti was thought earlier this week to be close to completing a switch to Turin, with the agreement that he spent the 2012-13 campaign back at Pescara, either on loan or through co-ownership.
However, there looks to have been a cooling of relations between the negotiating parties, as following on from yesterday’s denial that talks were advanced, the Delfini have confirmed that Napoli have now entered into talks for the 19-year-old.
“With Napoli there is contact over a deal,” President Daniele Sebastiani told Radio Crc. “From the moment that the players they offer in part-exchange are not less than those from Juventus, then we have no reason to sell to Juventus.”
Verratti is a childhood Juventus fan, but Sebastiani reflected that Pescara’s growing relationship with Napoli, coupled with the player’s attitude, may see him end up at the San Paolo.
“Napoli and Juventus have never made any secret of asking us for Verratti. Juventus had started a little earlier and had some advantage in terms of time, but it is only with these two teams that we have held talks with, despite some interested expressed in the player from abroad.
“[Aurelio] De Laurentiis is always very direct with me and I like his way of doing things, I like the Napoli owner. I think I have opened up a good relationship with him and I hope to continue to keep trying to develop a strong relationship between the two teams that represent the south.
“I will say that it is not true that Verratti only wants Juventus. The fact that as a child he supported them cannot help the club conclude the deal. He is fated to play for a big club, but Napoli is one too.
“For several years I have known Verratti and he has said that above all he must be professional and he knows that in his situation he can play for any team.”
Sebastiani was asked about the players Napoli might be offering him in exchange for Verratti.
“With Napoli there are several reports and I never say never. Would we be buying a South American player with Napoli? They have even more scouts around the world and if there is a chance to work together then we will do so, gladly.
“Pescara’s directors are Pescara fans and we will not do things to hurt this club. The club is not in financial difficulty and we will not necessarily sell Verratti. If Marco is sold then those that will arrive as part of the deal will compensate at a technical level.
“Between Monday and Tuesday next week I could meet with De Laurentiis, I don’t rule this out.”