European heavyweights Juventus and Barcelona are reportedly
ready to battle it out for the signature of Liverpool midfielder
Momo Sissoko.The Mali international is keen to have talks with Reds
chief Rafa Benitez over his lack of first-team action at Anfield
after the January arrival of Javier Mascherano.
"If I am not to leave," Sissoko told Tuttosport, "Then I must play
more."
But with Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Mascherano already ahead
of the 22-year-old in the central-midfield pecking order, and the
likelihood of further additions being made to the squad, Sissoko
looks almost certain to be surplus to requirements.
Signed from Valencia for £5.6million in July 2005, Sissoko has made
36 Premiership starts and could command a fee in the region
£7million.
Juventus are looking to stengthen after returning to Serie A
following relegation for their part in the Italian match-fixing
scandal, while Barcelona are keen to add more bite to their
midfield to supplement the attacking flair of Ronaldinho and
company.
