Juventus agree terms with Hamburg, but Eljero Elia has doubts about Serie A move
The Turin side have reached an agreement with the Netherlands international's current club, but the winger has doubts about a move to ItalyAug 30, 2011 9:14:00 AM
By Stefan Coerts
Juventus have agreed terms with Hamburg over the transfer of Netherlands international Eljero Elia, De Telegraaf reports.
The Serie A side are desperate to land a left-winger before the summer transfer window slams shut on Wednesday and they have earmarked Elia as the ideal addition.
Juve have reportedly reached an agreement with HSV about an initial transfer fee of ?9 million plus an undisclosed figure in variables. However, they have yet to agree personal terms with Elia.
The 24-year-old is keen to leave Hamburg, but would prefer a move to the Premier League rather than Serie A.
"I've been told that there is a lot of racism in Italian stadiums and most teams play very defensive. These kinds of things play a role in my decision," Elia said to AD/Sportwereld.
"My style of play would be perfect for England. You often see defenders struggle against attackers with a good individual action. That's why I prefer a move to the Premier League."
However, despite Elia's preference for England, a transfer to Juventus appears to be a more realistic option. The former Twente ace has been linked with clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool, but neither of the two has tabled an official offer.
The winger, who is currently away on international duty with Netherlands, has given his representatives authorisation to sign a contract on his behalf and agent Klaus Vink is ready to open talks with Juventus.
"We will try and reach an agreement, but won't accept just any offer," said Vink.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2011/08/30/2642629/juventus-agree-terms-with-hamburg-but-eljero-elia-has-doubts