28 June 2007, by Sean Gillen

Juventus to swoop for Stuttgart captain Fernando Meira

Portugal international happy with interest of Italian side

Stuttgart captain Fernando Meira could be set to join his Portuguese compatriot Tiago at Italian giants Juventus, according to reports.

Portuguese daily Publico claims that the 29-year-old is set for a move to Turin, as Juve continue to build a squad capable of challenging for Serie A in their first season back in the Italian top flight.

Meira, who captained Stuttgart to a surprise German league title win last season, has expressed an interest in a move, after Milan and Real Madrid were also linked with the classy defender.

“The interest of these big clubs is there, that is all I can say,” he said. “It would be an honour to play in Italy next season, the same would apply to Spain.”

“If my club had the wish to sell me, then I would definitely go,” added the Portugal international.

The Guimaraes-born defender has played in the Bundesliga for five years, having left Benfica for Stuttgart in 2002 for 7.5m euros.

Juventus appear to be honing in on Portuguese players as they attempt to re-establish themselves as one of Europe’s most powerful teams. Pacos de Ferreira left-back Vitorino Antunes also continues to be linked with a move to the Italian outfit.


Related: Fernando Meira PortuGOAL profile
Related: Tiago completes “dream” Juventus move
Related: Antunes admits Juventus pre-agreement