Chiellini likely to remain at Juve, claims agent
The 25-year-old centre-back has been earning rave reviews for his displays in Serie A and is thought to be on the radar of the two Premier League clubs.
New City boss Roberto Mancini has inherited a side which have been leaking goals and is expected to invest heavily in defensive recruits in the transfer window.
Alex Ferguson, meanwhile, has seen United’s defence decimated by injuries this season and concerns remain over Rio Ferdinand’s fitness.
Chiellini’s agent, Davide Lippi, is not surprised to see his client linked with a possible big-money move, but insists he will remain with Juve to continue his development.
“The interest of Manchester United and Manchester City flatters us and makes us very happy, and there are also other clubs in Europe,’’ Lippi said.
“Chiellini has grown in the last two years and still has much room for improvement. It is normal that important teams give special attention to him.
“But Giorgio is a very important player for Juventus and has a long contract with the club. And, as (sporting director) Alessio Secco said, Juventus doesn’t sell its champions.
“I think that Chiellini will stay for a long time with Juventus.
“In the market there are many surprises, but I think it’s very difficult to envisage a move for Chiellini.”
Mancini also conceded a move for the £12 million (€13.5m) rated defender was unlikely. stating: “Chiellini is the key to Juve’s defence so it seems a bit difficult they would let him go.’’
Meanwhile, Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is willing to sell disenchanted striker Roman Pavlyuchenko if the club receive a suitable offer.
The 28-year-old Russian international has started just one League game this season as well as one Carling Cup tie.
“If he wants to leave and somebody wants to come in and pay the money for him that he’s worth we would have to look at it,” said Redknapp.
“I’m not crazy to shift him out. He’s a good player and a talented footballer.”
Pavlyuchenko, who joined Tottenham from Spartak Moscow for £14m (€15.8m) in August 2008, has scored just two goals this season, once for Spurs in the 5-1 Carling Cup win over Doncaster and once for Russia in a World Cup qualifier against Wales.
“I had a chat with him a couple of weeks ago and he said he felt he wanted a move,” added Redknapp.
“But somebody has to come and make an offer that the club accepts and is a good enough for us to even look at it, otherwise there is no chance of him leaving.
“He’s been unlucky. Jermain Defoe is in great form, while Robbie Keane and Peter Crouch have been fantastic.
“What can I do? We’re sitting in the top four and I pick the side that is the best team I think there is. That is all I can do. He has to keep working hard and when his chance comes he has to take it.”
Elsewhere, Liverpool are in talks to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Maxi Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, who is out of contract in the summer, has fallen out of favour at Atletico and the Spaniards are understood to be willing to let him move on.
The 27-year-old is believed to be keen on a move as he looks to secure his spot in Argentina’s World Cup squad by playing regular first-team football.
Boca Juniors have been linked with a move to bring the winger back to his native Argentina, but Liverpool are thought to be favourites for his signature. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is keen to bolster his squad and with Rodriguez available for a small fee, he fits the bill for what Benitez is looking for.
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