Juventus

Schweinsteiger, Rakitic and Zhirkov On Juventus' Hit List

Three men and an Old Lady but who will be the piggy in the middle for Juventus?

Nov 25, 2008 10:06:10 AM

Friendly: Germany - Belgium, Schweinsteiger (firo)

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Juventus have added three names to their January hit list as Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ivan Rakitic and Yuri Zhirkov have all been lined up as possible replacements for Pavel Nedved.

The Czech international looks unsure as to whether or not he will be hanging up his boots in the summer, and the Bianconeri are planning early in an attempt to ensure their star man is replaced without any hitches if he does indeed call it a day.

24-year-old Schweinsteiger seems like he has reached the point of no return with Bayern Munich, as reports suggest he doesn't want to renew his contract with the Bavarian side.

Tuttosport claims the Italians are ready to swoop but they may face stiff competition from both Milan and Real Madrid, who are also on the prowl.

If that move fails, directors at Vinovo have plan B rolled up their sleeves.

Rakitic is similar to Nedved and he can adapt to play in any position around the middle or just behind the strikers.

A cheque for €12 million should do the trick. Both players could arrive in January but they would be ineligible for the Champions League as they have already represented their respective clubs in the competition.

Last but not least in the three man equation is CSKA Moscow's Zhirkov.

The left wing-back was in the 30 man list for the Ballon d'Or and he is one of the most promising stars around.

Zenit St Petersburg are also interested in the player, but Juve are in pole position to snap him up if moves for the other two hit a brick wall.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

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