Juventus: Sissoko struggling to settle

Reports Sissoko to be on the bench again

Momo Sissoko is reportedly struggling to impress at Juventus, in Italy, and is set to again be overlooked by Claudio Ranieri for Juventus's big game against Roma. Juventus Manager Claudio Ranieri played down the fact that Sissoko has not started yet, by arguing he needs time to get used to the system of play.

He said; “The midfielder has to understand fully what he needs to do and the style we play in,” The signing of Sissoko was heavily slated by Juventus supporters, who argued it was another in a long line of mediocre signings by sporting director Alessio Secco.

We think he's a great player who just needs time and confidence to show his quality and think he will become a Juventus great!

Momo Sissoko move still on

Sissoko's next club not clear as three clubs jostle to seal a deal

Reports are circulating that Juventus have cooled their interest in Liverpool's Momo Sissoko, leading to speculation that Liverpool will not be able to afford to tie up the Javier Mascherano deal in this transfer window.

Of note however, is the fact that the Liverpool Echo is reporting three clubs are interested in Sissoko, which all points to a deal being done soon. This should enable Liverpool to tie up Mascherano, as regardless of who is in charge next season, any manager would want him in the squad.

Footy Focus thinks it's all part of the normal speculation and that Sissoko will move, with Mascherano secured to Liverpool.

Latest Transfer News - English Premier League

Some interesting ones out there in the Premier League transfer rumours. A fellow blogger website is reporting Wes Brown is off to Newcastle. He would be a great buy for Newcastle if they could get him. He may not be getting in the team at Man U but he is top quality.

Newcastle are apparently about to offload Shola Ameobi to Norwich while big Sam Allardyce has ruled out bringing in Barcelona's Edmilson due to the fact he's injured and yet to start a game this season!

Another interesting one is Setanta Sports reporting Milan Baros returning to the Premier League via Birmingham in January. He's lost his way a bit has our Milan since his Liverpool days. He was top class at times for Liverpool and had a great European Championship, but since then he really hasnt done it. He was overweight when he first came to Liverpool and it looked to me he's gone that way a bit again. Come on Milan - you should be playing for a bigger club than Birmingham!!

Talking of Liverpool, Momo Sissoko seems to have done his dash with an outburst against Rafa Benitez. Shame really, he was immense for Liverpool in 2005/06 but injuries and the increased competition for places in Liverpools midfield seem to have taken their toll on him.

Elsewhere Real Murcia striker Inigo is being linked with a move to England. Never heard of him or the team but apparently Premier League relegation hopefuls Birmingham, Wigan and Watford are keen.

Nasri the young French star who was about the only player who caught the eye for Marsielle is reportedly attracting the interest of the Premier League big-boys. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and City all mentioned in dispatches. Think this ones a bit of a column space filler rather than anything concrete.

Man City are also eyeing up Diego Milito with a reported fee of 20 mill. Anyone who pays that for a 28 year old who is struggling to get the goals he got last year is nuts and I dont think Sven is!

Goings on at Liverpool

Over at Liverpool there seems to be plenty going on at the moment. Crouch, Riise and Sissoko are the subject of yet more speculation that they are for the axe so Rafa the Gaffer can raise money for Garay and Mascherano. Seems to me at least one will go - my thought is that it is Crouch. He's probably the most expendable - get an injury to Mascherano and Sissokos back in, while Riise is always likely to get a go at full back.



I see Dirk Kuyt has been burgled - yet another one! Number five by all accounts - reckon those Porsches stand out a bit in Liverpool! Seriously though its an appalling state of affairs when players have to consider their personal security so much.

Meanwhile Rafa has dismissed rumours of a Bayern Munich move. I should think so too! He's got higher ambitions than them when/ if he leaves Liverpool. The German league is a poor relation to its English, and Spanish cousins so they have no chance of getting him if only for his own career ambitions.

Crouch, Sissoko & Carson out, Garay in?

All the media reports seem to be pointing to these two on the way out. The usual pattern of unquoted reports are appearing in more than one source. They'll follow the usual trend of it being reported, denied, reported, 'oh maybe' etc until it becomes an open secret. Newcatle, Juventus and err Portsmouth are reportedly after Crouch with Eveton supposedly leading the chase for Sissoko.

One thing to note though is that it is not yet being mentioned on the Liverpool Echo website. They are widely known in Liverpool as being the voice of the club. If it goes on there you know its going to happen so its not cut & dried just yet. I think one or both will go in the summer but I would be surprised if both would be allow to go now unless Liverpool have a major deal lined up - not easy in the January window.

A more definite exit is Scott Carson for $8m with the funds being used to launch a bid for Racing Santander’s Argentinian defender Ezequiel Garay. Benitez is looking to bolster his backline and his happy with his goalkeeping cover of Itandje and Martin.