Sassuolo director Giovanni Carnevali insists there were never advanced talks with Juventus for Domenico Berardi, but would ‘not rule out’ a departure in January.
Berardi spent much of the summer pushing for the transfer to the Turin giants, after negotiations were cut off by his club when the deadline of mid-August passed.
However, Carnevali maintains the matter was never as intense as reported in the newspapers.
“I admit there was contact with Juventus after Berardi expressed his firm intention to join the Bianconeri,” Carnevali told TRC Modena.
“They wanted the player in Turin, but there was never a real negotiation. We had only set a deadline, August 17, to close the agreement in time to find a replacement.
“At that moment, perhaps Juve had different problems to deal with and it ended with no progress.”
Despite the tension between the clubs and Juventus seemingly annoyed at the refusal of Sassuolo to discuss it any further, Carnevali leaves the door open for them to resume this conversation in January.
“We would never exclude anything, some even more important proposals might come in. I cannot say what will happen, but it is obvious that Sassuolo do not need to sell.
“Juventus are a great side who did not change much, they have quality players and I consider them along with Inter the favourites for the Scudetto.”
If Berardi is to leave Sassuolo in January, it is likely to be a loan deal with obligation to buy for circa €25-30m including bonuses.
Carnevali does reveal another reason for the tension between Juventus and Sassuolo, which is to be found behind the scenes.
“I am disappointed that Francesco Magnanelli, who was our historic captain for many years and spent last season in Alessio Dionisi’s staff, decided to go to Juventus for Max Allegri’s team.”