 SAM ALLARDYCE could be ready to tempt Palermo with a cash offer for Italian international defender Andrea Barzagli. The 26-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Sicily club all summer, with Fiorentina keen to sign 2006 World Cup player. But even though the player says he is happy to stay with Newcastle’s UEFA Cup opponents from last season, Barzagli revealed he could still leave if there was a “shocking development.” And with Palermo prepared to sell the defender if they receive a bid of £11m, United could be in with a chance of signing the player regarded by Fabio Cannavaro as the next great Italian international defender. Allardyce has stressed several times already since taking charge that the defensive area is his main priority in his recruitment drive and he wants to bring in up to three more defenders to go with Czech star David Rozehnal. However, despite six-foot Barzagli’s insistence he would not join the club’s bitter rivals Fiorentina, newly promoted Juventus are monitoring his situation along with United, with his plea to stay at Palermo said to be designed to appease the often hostile Sicilian club’s supporters. The player said over the weekend: “I can say that barring any shock developments, I will stay at Palermo. “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.” Another player on United’s wish list is his Palermo clubmate Cristian Zaccardo, who also has caps for Italy and has played at the World Cup. But the chances of winning the race for Barzagli seem to be more realistic for Big Sam. Indeed, Palermo sporting director Rino Foschi last week said: “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.” Meanwhile, two players that United boss Allardyce is unlikely to sign are Fulham’s £3m-rated Franck Queudrue and Nice full-back Rod Fanni, with Big Sam keen to explore other options. And United were cool today on weekend reports that they ware keen on Ronaldinho and Fabio Cannavaro. Meanwhile, United are unlikely to sign Argentinian Aldo Duscher, who has been on trial over the last few days, due to concerns over the Deportivo player’s fitness. | 
Article
