Juventus make move for Di Natale

Juventus have made a move to sign Italy international forward Antonio Di Natale from Udinese, the Friuli club’s president said Tuesday.

Speaking at the official presentation of the club’s squad for the new season, Franco Soldati said: “Juve are interested in Di Natale.”

The Italian press backed up the claim with news agency Ansa saying Juve have offered seven million pounds for the 32-year-old and that he was talking to the 27-time Italian champions.

However, the player himself poured cold water on the rumours, claiming he wants to stay at Udinese for life, although he was speaking to throngs of adoring Udinese fans at the time.

“I don’t know anything. I want to stay in Udine (the town) where I feel good and where I want to finish my career,” he said.

“I’ve been here seven years and I want to stay here, I don’t know anything about a transfer.”

Di Natale was top scorer in Serie A last season with an impressive 29 goals in 35 matches despite playing for a struggling team.

He was also first choice for Italy in their disastrous World Cup campaign in South Africa.

He usually plays wide left but can play anywhere across a front three, as a loan striker or off a target man.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed Juve are just waiting to offload forwards Diego and David Trezeguet before completing the Di Natale deal.

Brazilian Diego, widely regarded as an expensive flop last season, is allegedly wanted by Steve McLaren’s Vfl Wolfsburg in Germany while French veteran Trezeguet is a target for some clubs in Spain.