Juve To Challenge United for Youngster

Serie A side Juventus will challenge Manchester United for young Italian striker Domenico Berardi. The 18-year-old has caught the attention of a number of clubs although he has only broken into the first-time at Serie B side Sassulo this season and reports from Italy earlier this week claimed United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has sent representatives to watch Berardi and monitor his progress.
“Many scouts are following him,” Sassulos director-general Nereus Bonato said. “I would say all the top clubs are.
“An 18 year-old who has made his debut certainly triggers some interest, but let me make it clear that there have been no talks.
“Clubs will continue to follow him and maybe in January we will ask them for some more information.
“Manchester United? A few British clubs have made moves. There have been requests to the club and although we have received some rumours about clubs in the Premier League there has been nothing direct.
“Meanwhile, we have to put him in a position to give his best and to work for the good of the team. In time, you’ll see.”
Berardi broke into the Sassulo first team under new boss Eusebio di Francesco and Sassulo have surged to the top of Serie B with a 100 percent record in their opening three games. He scored in the win over Crotone and is now being linked with Juventus.
“We have good relations with the Bianconeri,” Bonato added. “If they are interested in Domenico then we will happily sit down and talk with them but we then must evaluate any proposal but he will not move from Sassulo before next June.”