Torino’s summer business is due to begin in force with Nicola Bellomo and Andrea Mantovani due to arrive at the Stadio Olimpico by the end of the week.
Mantovani is close to negotiating a return to the Granata from relegated Palermo after leaving the club eight years ago, while a fee of €1,500,000 for co-ownership of Bari’s Bellomo is also near to being signed.
Turin based newspaper La Stampa reports that both signings are approaching completion after Giampiero Ventura explained his wishes to Gianluca Petrachi for next season’s Torino side; his main wish being the ability to switch from 4-2-4 to 3-5-2 easily within games.
Former Italy Under 21 defender Mantovani left Torino in 2005 for Chievo. He is close to putting his signature to a contract that would return him to his hometown.
Meanwhile, Petrachi has long had Bari-born Bellomo in his sights, having been to watch the 22-year-old, currently playing for his hometown club, many times. He is a midfielder whose versatility would allow him to fit in either of Ventura’s preferred formations. Bellomo made thirty five appearances for the struggling Galletti last season, scoring six goals.
A meeting between Torino and Bari is due this week with Granata chairman Urbano Cairo ready to make the first move to ensure he is able bring Bellomo to Piedmont.
