Juventus and Fiorentina battle for Rossi signature

London: The Italy international has been linked with a return to Serie A, with La Viola willing to pay €4.5 million for a permanent deal, while the Old Lady are interested in a loan.

Juventus and Fiorentina are ready to do battle for the signature of Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi. It is believed the reigning Serie A champions are interested in striking a 12-month loan deal for the player, running from January this year to January 2014, while Viola hope to seal a permanent €4.5 million transfer. The news comes after Athletic Bilbao confirmed the Bianconeri have opened talks with Fernando Llorente over a summer transfer, but it is clear they still wish to bolster their offensive options in the winter window. Rossi was linked with some of Europe`s biggest clubs last season prior to injuring the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in April. His misery was compounded when El Submarino were relegated to the Segunda Division, but that has not stopped the two clubs in his homeland from registering their interest. The 25-year-old began his career as a youth prospect at Parma, before being snapped up by Manchester United in 2005; he then moved on to Spain two years later. Goal.Com