Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce is reportedly hoping to
bolster the Magpies' defence by moving for Italian defender Andrea
Barzagli.
Barzagli, who currently plays for Serie A side Palermo, is highly
regarded in his homeland, and is apparently thought of by Italy's
World Cup winning skipper Fabio Cannavaro as the 'next great
Italian defender'.
The Newcastle Evening Chronicle reports that Allardyce could be set
to tempt Palermo with a bid, although the Italian side are thought
to want as much as £11million for the centre-half.
Barzagli is one of the most sought-after talents in Serie A, with
both Fiorientina and Juventus keen to sign the player.
However, the defender is adament that he will not join Fiorientina,
and claims that although he is happy at Palermo, he could still
move on.
"I can say that barring any shock developments, I will stay at
Palermo," Barzagli said over the weekend.
"Having said that, with at least another 10 years of my career
left, I need to look at all aspects, including the economic
one.
"In the past, only Juventus were truly interested in me, but the
coach preferred to look towards other options."
Palermo sporting director Rino Foschi said last week that the
defender wants out of the Sicilian club, and hinted that they would
be willing to sell: "Andrea Barzagli seems willing to leave
Palermo.
"After all, it's better to have someone in your squad who is
dedicated rather than with his mind focused on other things.
"He's been on the transfer market for a while now. However, it's
his decision to leave the club.
"There are players who join Palermo and shine, and afterwards when
they get a spot among the Azzurri, they want to plump for a stint
in a bigger club.
"Barzagli is one of such players."
