Liverpool closing in on Fiorentina Winger

Liverpool are set to launch a summer transfer swoop for Fiorentina winger Juan Manuel Vargas, according to his agent.Jorge Cyterszpiler claims a number of clubs are eyeing the signature of the 28-year-old, although the Italian outfit may have to drop their £12m asking price for a deal to happen.Aston Villa have already ruled themselves out of the running as a result of Fiorentina's valuation of the Peru international, who struggled for his best form last season.Liverpool have been tracking the 28-year-old for some time after originally coming up against him in the Champions League during the 2009/2010 season.He is under contract with the Viola for another season, but he is thought to be keen on a move away from the Serie A side.
Cyterszpiler told www.tuttomercatoweb.com: "There is the possibility that he (Vargas) will leave Fiorentina.
"But at this time it's just a rumour and there is nothing official. He didn't have the best best of seasons and he needs to make up for it next season."Liverpool is an option, but there is also Malaga that has the fascination of playing in next season's Champions League. Does he have a preference with regards to playing the Premier League or the Primera Liga? Vargas likes both leagues as well as the Serie A."

Fiorentina winger wants Manchester City move

Alessio Cerci has told Fiorentina he wants to join Manchester City, according to reports in Italy. City manager Roberto Mancini has been linked with a move for the Italian winger, who is rated at around £6m by the Serie A side. But the Premier League side club are unwilling to pay that much for the 24-year-old, who is still largely unproven having made less than 50 appearances in Serie A. But Fiorentina could be ready to drop their asking price slightly with Cerci apparently desperate to link up with Mancini at Etihad Stadium. The winger made it clear in a recent interview that his future lies away from Fiorentina, where he has struggled to settle since arriving from Roma a year ago. And it has even been suggested that City are willing to offer him a contract worth around £1.75m a year, which is reportedly double what he is currently earning at Fiorentina. Cerci scored seven times in 24 appearances for Fiorentina last season and the club had hoped he would become a more regular member of the side in the coming campaign. But they could be ready to sell him for around £5m, which would net them a profit of over £1m in just one year at the club.

Aston Villa Bid £13m for South American Star

Aston Villa are leading the chase to land Fiorentina winger Juan Manuel Vargas, though they will have to fight off competition from Juventus for the Peruvian’s signature. Tuttomercattoweb.com claims that a bid of around £13m has already been placed,Just yesterday, Vargas sealed Peru’s place in the Copa America final with a fantastic strike in the second half of extra-time to give his team a 2-0 victory over Columbia. The goal was just the latest in a growing list of great goals the midfielder has scored. He began his career as a left-back, Vargas’ long-range shooting ability led him to be push further forward into a midfield role.Coupled with his outstanding crossing ability, Vargas represents the perfect replacement for Stewart Downing who joined Liverpool this week. Vargas is fond of dribbling and will provide excellent service for Darren Bent.
Rumours in Italy had suggested that Liverpool were to bid for the Peruvian but Downing’s arrival signals the end of any interest from the Anfield. Juventus however do pose a serious threat to Villa’s hopes. After reports of a £45m bid for Tevez, Fiorentina will be confident of receiving an inflated fee from their Serie A rivals, if their interest is indeed serious.
Having played in Serie A for five years now, it is possible that Vargas would fancy a move to the Premiership. With Liverpool out of the picture, it seems his best hopes rest with Villa.
Charles N’Zogbia’s alleged preference for a move to Everton to avoid relocating his family who are settled in the North West area, represents an obstacle in that transfer. It seems new boss Alex McLeish will have to look elsewhere, and Vargas is at the top of that list.