Italy

Ranieri Keen To Add English Touch To Juve

The passion of Ranieri for English football has always been well known, and now he wants to spread this to his current club, with reports coming from England that he is interested in Owen and Defoe.

Jan 5, 2009 12:54:41 PM

Claudio Ranieri - Juventus - Serie A (Grazia Neri)

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Following the reports in the English media that Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri wants to lure Michael Owen away from Newcastle in June, when his current four-year deal comes to an end, the Sunday Mirror is now claiming that the Bianconeri are also highly interested in Portsmouth's Jermain Defoe.

On paper the Owen deal would be easier and less costly considering that he would come on a free transfer and the Old Lady would 'only' have to pay for his salary.

However, Defoe is probably Ranieri's first choice even though it will be difficult to sign him. There is a hefty €20 million price tag on his head - apart from the fact that there will be intense competition from other English clubs who also want him.

Another point in favour of Defoe is Owen's recurring injury problems, with the former Liverpool star only managing to play 59 games since joining the Magpies back in 2005, although he has achieved an impressive strike rate of 25 goals during these appearances.

For the time being, what is certain is that neither player will arrive in January, and the Bianconeri's first choice on their shopping list remains Werder Bremen's Diego.

-- Glenn Debattista, Goal.com