As negotiations over a renewal for Juventus coach Antonio Conte rumble on, the Leccese tactician has reportedly made three requests over the terms of his new deal.
The 44-year-old has been in charge of the Bianconeri since the summer of 2011, and has led the Turin giants to two successive Scudetti, but having been interest of clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester United in the past, club officials are desperate for him to sign an extension to his current deal, which runs out in 2015.
According to Tuttosport, Conte is willing to remain with la Vecchia Signora, but is looking for reassurances to avoid any future misunderstandings.
His first requirement is that none of the club’s top players leave before the end of his new contract, unless an indecent offer arrives for one of their stars, which would allow him to adjust the team accordingly.
Secondly, the former Juve midfielder has asked for two ‘champions’ to arrive at the Juventus stadium, with one of those thought to be United’s Nani, a player the Bianconeri were close to signing on loan in January, with the transfer breaking down due to concerns over the Portuguese’s physical condition.
The other big-name arrival very much depends on whether on-loan striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo impresses for his new side, with the former Espanol forward having moved from Premier League side Southampton in the winter transfer window.
If the Italian international, 28, manages to convince his new boss, the Bianconeri will target a new defender to add to their roster, otherwise, another attacking player will be high on club’s transfer agenda.
The final condition is related to the supervision of the youth sector, as Conte keen to have a role similar to that which Sir Alex Ferguson had at Manchester United, with more control over the Juventus youth.
Follow Anthony Alborino on Twitter: @anthonyalborino
Nani is a requirement for him to stay? Talk about being easy to please. I thought he was going to demand that Juventus sign some talent. I guess I was wrong.