Juventus confirms Mascherano intent (27 Sep 2006 20:48 GMT)
Juventus coach Didier Deschamps has confirmed he was close to signing Javier Mascherano before the Argentinian joined West Ham.
The tough-tackling midfielder attracted interest from a number of European clubs when it became clear that he would leave Corinthians.
West Ham won the chase for his signature, pulling off a dramatic deadline day double swoop for Mascherano and his international colleague Carlos Tevez.
However, Deschamps confessed recently that he was still targeting a Premiership-based midfielder and the 22-year-old is likely to remain on Juve's wanted list in 2007.
The Bianconeri were demoted to Serie B but promotion back to the top flight would enhance their prospects of luring the South American to Turin in the summer.
"Juve have been close to Mascherano," stated Deschamps. "Then situations arose and it hasn't been possible to sign him."
source : Eurosport