Real and United in Thuram bidding war
Parma sports director Enrido Fedele admitted on Tuesday that Real Madrid and Manchester United have made offers for defender Lilian Thuram. The player's agent Oscar Damiani earlier revealed that Thuram would quit the Ennio Tardini this summer to satisfy his hunger for trophies.
Parma sports director Enrido Fedele admitted on Tuesday that Real Madrid and Manchester United have made offers for defender Lilian Thuram. The player's agent Oscar Damiani earlier revealed that Thuram would quit the Ennio Tardini this summer to satisfy his hunger for trophies.
Fedele said: "There are deals on the table from great foreign clubs – not only Madrid, but also others like Manchester United."
Thuram stated through Damiani on Tuesday that he is keen to seal a move to Real, despite the fact that Parma recently qualified for next season's Champions' League.
"He loves Real Madrid because they are one of the world's biggest and strongest clubs," claimed Damiani. "He would fit in with any of these big clubs who are after him. Milan, Juventus, Manchester United… it doesn't really matter."
"He just wants to start winning trophies. He has a big problem with the current deal at Parma, but I can assure you he will not be making his decision on a financial basis."
Damiani is the same agent who managed to prise coach Fabio Capello away from AC Milan to take over at Real Madrid.
Back in April, Thuram gave the first hint that he was ready to quit Parma. "I have won a World Cup and a European Championship, but the Scudetto has eluded me," the Frenchman said.
"Last summer I thought we were ready to win the league, but it was an illusion. It's easy to buy strong players, but it's difficult to create a real group."
Thuram's words fuelled speculation that he was set to join Lazio, and the rumours intensified when he blasted Parma for slapping a £24 million price tag on his head. "The fact that they have fixed a fee means they think I am transferable," said the former Monaco man.
Thuram, 29, is considered by many to be the top defender in the world. The powerful right-back has great pace and strength, but is also blessed with excellent ball skills.
As a boy in Guadeloupe, he dreamed of becoming a priest and, at one point, almost gave up football to join a seminary.
But France will certainly be pleased that he chose football, particularly after he scored both goals in his country's 2-1 win over over Croatia in the semi-final of the World Cup in 1998.