May 14, 1997
CarlingNet

Newcastle - FA Carling Premiership runners-up United could be set to break the bank for the second year running in a bid to lure Alessandro Del Piero from Juventus.

The Magpies are believed to be interested in signing the 22-year-old, who is valued at £14million.

Umberto Agnelli, whose family own the Italian giants, said he would be willing to let both Del Piero and Christian Vieri go at the end of the season at the right price.

"I wish both Del Piero and Vieri can stay with Juve next season. However, if bids between £12million to £14million have been actually made for the two players, it's right for the club to take them in due consideration,'' he said.

Last summer, the Geordies paid a world record £15million for Alan Shearer who still managed to score 31 goals despite being hit by injuries throughout the season.

However, Shearer was unable to stop Manchester United from retaining the title and manager Kenny Dalglish is desperate to end United's dominance in England and also do well in the European Cup next season.
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