EXCLUSIVE

ANDRES D'ALESSANDRO is being linked with a move to England, in the wake of a dazzling performance for the Argentinian Under-21 side at Fulham, a couple of weeks ago.

Sources in South America are indicating that Newcastle are leading the chase for the River Plate star, although reports in England have stated that Tottenham are the club on his trail.

Twelve days after his majestic performance at Craven Cottage, a display that earned him the man of the match award from Sky Sports, an English club faxed a bid of $5 million (around #3.15 million).

"If the player agrees, it seems to me that there would not be any problems," said River vice-president Alfredo Davicce. "But I do not know which is the club interested."

Argentinian press reports are convinced that Newcastle are the club in question, despite their reported lack of available transfer funds, which helped to wreck a bid to sign another Argentinian, Christian Bassedas.

"We know that Newcastle want him," claimed one insider. "Although the fax that arrived at River did not reveal the name of the club."

Agent Jorge Berrio would help to negotiate any transfer to England and the player is already seeking to obtain a European Community passport. His grandparents are Italian and it is believed he could receive the correct documentation within six months, thus foregoing the need for a work permit.

Carlos Marinelli, Middlesbrough's outrageously talented starlet, is a precedent in this sort of situation ,and he could soon be followed into England by another Argentinian playmaker in d'Alessandro.

When asked if he was going to The Premiership, d'Alessandro replied: "I do not know anything. But, if it is Europe, I do not doubt it. If what is said is certain, I cannot fail to take advantage of an opportunity like this."

Spurs' director of football, David Pleat, claimed there were no negotiations ongoing in Argentina, when pressed on the link with d'Alessandro, while Newcastle fans will be cautious over the reports, in the wake of the Bassedas saga, which dragged on for a number of weeks.

Do you think this is only another teamtalk news? Well, got that from OPTA Soccer site...

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2000

Answers

New Argy Link - D'Alessandro ...to: Eddie Shearyadi

I watched the U-21 game on TV. The kid was excellent.

He actually reminded me of YKD - same build, and therefore prone to being whacked. However, he seemed brave. He was here, there and everywhere - good engine - wanted the ball all the time, trying to dominate the game. Got a bit of stick from the big 'uns like Lampard and Carragher as the game wore on and it became obvious he was the danger man.

He clearly has real potential and I'd like to think he's the sort of player we're looking at - even though in the short term this is not exactly the position we're trying to fill. When real talent comes along I guess you've just got to try to grab it.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2000

I didn't see the game, but #3m+ on the basis of one performance seems pretty reckless.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2000

Reckless? ...to: Geordie Joe (!)

Maybe. However, the kid came into the game with a glowing reputation and an expectation that he would do well against England. So, I somehow doubt he's a one game wonder.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2000

Andres d'Alessandro : As long as he's not the love-child of Andreas Andersson and Alessandro Pistone, he should be OK ......

;-p

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2000

Bobby's made comments about South America being under-tapped by English clubs, and he's obviously using contacts and info gleaned from his Barcelona days.

Contrast the types of youngsters Bobby's looking at with the dross Dalglish brought in. OK the price bracket is different, but Bobby's aim is obviously higher.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2000

Loony-

Yeah, but his hair'd be fantastic.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2000

Dunno about you but I'm seeing marketing opportunities here - b&w alice bands bearing all manner of slogans. What else ??

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2000