5 June 2007, by Marco Pereira

Antunes hotly pursued by Juventus

But Pacos de Ferreira in no hurry to sell left-back

Italian giants, Juventus, are believed to be actively pursuing Pacos de Ferreira left-back, Antunes.

Juventus have recently won promotion back to Serie A after spending the past season in Serie B as punishment for being found guilty of match-fixing and corruption last summer.

Now that they are back up in the highest echelon of the Italian league, the club intend to go on a summer spending spree in an attempt to clinch a Champions League berth for the following season.

After announcing Claudio Ranieri as their head coach, the ‘Old Lady’ have targeted the Portuguese under-21 international to join their revolution next season.

The player’s agent, Amarao Valente, has confirmed that he has been in contact with the club regarding the player and that the two parties have agreed personal terms.

“I have been in Turin for a few days and have been negotiating with Juventus,” revealed Valente. “There is a pre-agreement with the player and a proposal waiting for Pacos de Ferreira, which will have to be renegotiated.”

“I have brought a proposal from Juventus which outlines the amount the player will earn and how much Juventus will offer Pacos. But with the recent call-up to the national team, it is normal that his value be renegotiated.”

Pacos president, Fernando Sequeira, confirmed the agent’s claims and said he has known of Juventus’ interest for some time. “I knew Juventus made an offer before he was called up to the national team. He is likely to win his first cap tonight and it is normal that his value is much higher.”

“We will treat this issue with calmness. Antunes is 20 years old and will continue to gain much more interest. We are in no hurry to negotiate.”

It could very well be that another of Portugal’s young, promising and talented players will ply their trade outside the country at one of the old continent’s historic clubs. However, Pacos will not allow their starlet leave on the cheap.