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Juventus youth product roused by United interest

Marchisio JuventusA product of The White Lady’s youth system, Claudio Marchisio is to Juventus what Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are to Manchester United.

A one-club-man since his teens (bar a season on loan), Marchisio has admitted to being “proud” at reports linking him with United.

Although he clearly states that “I have not heard from anyone at Manchester United” the tone of his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport indicates the idea of such a move would be one he would be very keen on.

Marchisio said “There are things to be proud of, but I am not sure if they are true” and added “When I talk with my club everything will become clearer”

At the age of 16 Marchisio was catapulted into first team training under the watchful eye of none other than Fabio Cappello. He was then made captain of the Under 20 (Primavera) side which won the their first Campionato Primavera title in twelve years and a runner-up finish at the Viareggio Tournament in his last full season with the Primavera squad.

As Juventus suffered the ignominy of relegation to Serie B during the Calciopoli scandal, Marchisio was again promoted to the first team but, with an offer of Serie A experience from Empoli, the skillful Italian midfielder was loaned there for the 2007/8 season before being recalled by new Juventus manager Claudio Ranieri at the end of the season.

Marchisio has since gone on to nail down the central midfield spot and helped lead Juventus back into European football and deliver domestic success.

In November he scored his first ever goal in a European competition in the Group Stage home fixture against FC Nordsjælland. He was one of four Juventus players nominated for the 2012 UEFA Team of the Year and was voted into the Serie A Team of the Year at the Oscar del Calcio awards.

Although he played fewer matches compared to last season due to suspension and a minor injury, he contributed crucial goals including the match-winner against Siena and a brace against intercity rivals Torino as Juve won a second consecutive league title.

With 174 appearances for the club and 25 goals plus 2 goals in 34 appearances for the full National side, Marchisio is now considered to be one of Europe’s finest central midfielders.

Who knows how much of this story is truth and how much is fabricated. Maybe his agent is using United to bolster his position in contract negotiations but, if it is true and Moyes seriously has his eye on him, he could be the missing piece of the jigsaw as United, and in particular, Moyes, looks to add quality into what we all know has been a weak midfield for a few years now.

With great ball control and vision coupled with the necessary bite to survive in the Premier League, Marchisio could be a very decent addition to the squad.

What do you think? Are United serious about Marchisio or is it just another hollow rumour?