Rome - Three days into the Italian winter market, and with as many weeks left to its end, Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano is the only name to stand out in a fairly dull scenario of possible transfers. His move to Serie A champions Inter Milan was rumoured even before the market opened, but the Genoa club and the player himself have seemed to agree that they will consider a transfer only at the end of the season.
La Gazzetta dello Sport Friday wrote that powerhouse Juventus have renewed an old interest for the 26-year-old talent, who could become a valid substitute for veteran captain Alessandro Del Piero, 34 and with a contract expiring in 2010.
Inter may have better chances for an immediate signing of Cassano, as they can offer Brazilian Adriano or the young Mario Balotelli in exchange to Samp, which would reduce the transfer fee of about 18 million euros (24.5 million dollars).
The powerful but often undisciplined Adriano, who turns 27 in mid-February, returned from his home country with an uncertain future at Inter.
His bad relationship with coach Jose Mourinho didn't improve when he showed up late as the league leaders resumed training on January 2 after the Serie A winter break.
Lack of discipline, added to memorable fits of anger on the pitch, also marred the career of Cassano during his stints at Roma and Real Madrid, but he seems to have mellowed out since arriving at Samp in 2007.
Balotelli, an 18-year-old Italian-born of Ghanaian origins, is already a mainstay with Italy's Under-21 team, where he scored three goals in four games.
Despite being considered a rising star, Balotelli has had troubles finding a spot in Inter's frontline and seemingly would prefer to be loaned to a smaller club with more chances to play.
"He asked to see me and I'm going to meet him soon," Inter president Massimo Moratti said. "I'll try and understand what is best for him.
"Certainly, Inter believes in him. He is a crucial player. I don't think he'll leave, not even on a loan."
Inter, however, need to find a new striker to play next to Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic as both Argentine veterans Julio Cruz, 34, and Hernan Crespo, 33, could leave at the end of the season.
Genoa's Diego Milito has been eyed by Inter, but their market managers reportedly found no positive response from the seaside club, who owe much to the Argentine for their comfortable sixth place and unbeaten home record.
The 29-year-old Principe, (the prince), could be suffering from pubalgy, a nagging inflammation of the lower abdominal muscles that can sideline players for months, but remains the current Serie A top striker.
He boasts 12 goals along with Marco Di Vaio of Bologna and Fiorentina's Alberto Gilardino, which prompted president Enrico Preziosi to say: "I'm not selling Milito, not even for 50 million (euros)."
