If reports are to be believed, it appears that we have pulled out of the race to sign Alisson Becker, the outstanding goalkeeping prospect of Internacional. Our good friends in Rome have apparently pledged 5m for his services and he will appear in their ranks next August. Which seems…interesting. For all evidence points towards his talent as something very special indeed. Yet perhaps there is more to this story of which we are presently in the dark. It could be his desire to be given a potential starting role in a european side, which will have precluded any deal with Juve because Santo Buffon is assuredly not to hang up his golden boots next Summer. Other than which…it will suggest, given the money involved, that we have our eyes elsewhere for Buffon’s successor. Perhaps in Leali, or Audero, or someone else entirely. The positive of this story is that I had no idea of Alisson before a few weeks back.

Still, the rumours of our interest in the South American market do not end there. As whilst the door appears to close on Alisson Becker, several more open…

Rosario Central starlet Giovani Lo Celso.

Lo Celso is an Argentinian attacking midfielder fresh out of the Rosario academy who has quickly shot to fame in the senior side. Early signs of beautiful creativity, impeccable control of the ball and a very welcome gritty streak are most encouraging. Reports suggest that we will have to cough up $9m to sign the 19 year old, then loan him to our good friends at Sassuolo, perhaps as part of the Berardi deal. By ‘loan’ I mean ‘they buy him, with either our money or money we promise with an agreement to integrate him into their squad’.

And then there is…Matheus Pereira.

17 years old, already represented Brazil at youth level. Looks wonderful! And if Alfredo Pedulla the italian transfer shock jock is to be believed, we have already made an offer for his services. As with Lo Celso, if we were to sign him, he will be loaned elsewhere. Or perhaps brought into our primavera, where he can offer some home comfort to Vadala, who has been improving month on month for Grosso’s U19 side and is starting to show true promise.

We have beaten Inter and Atalanta in their pursuit of rising Colombian midfield star, Juan Manuel Valencia. Born in 98′ the midfielder signs for 1.5m from Colombian side Cortuluá.

After which we are also linked with Valencia’s exciting compatriot… Jorge Carrascal.

Moving closer to the Present of our senior side…Interest in Caceres seems to be hotting up, with Liverpool mentioned too often for there to be no fire behind the smoke, yet of more intrigue is the deal broached by the tabloids to swap the Uruguayan for Lazio’s 21 year old creative force, Danilo Cataldi. 

Old video, yet it showcases a youngster of guile, confidence and welcome flair. Has represented Italy at all levels up to U21. Encouraging enough to make me keen to learn more of such a deal. I wonder if Lazio might be persuaded into a reunion with their old chum Hernanes?

There is more. So much more…Yet the above provide enough stardust to light our dreams in the darkness for this night.

forza juve