Marotta: 'No Higuain exchanges'

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has warned Real Madrid any deal for Gonzalo Higuain will not include “our best players.”

The transfer guru spoke to Sky Sport Italia after a lunch meeting with President Florentino Perez and the Real Madrid-Juventus Legends game at the Bernabeu.

“We met with President Perez and it’s obvious that we also talked about football at this lunch,” confessed Marotta.

“It is all still to be defined, because Real have not yet clarified their coaching situation. Therefore any debate on players is postponed.

“The two clubs have an excellent rapport and they showed appreciation for some of our players. It is possible to see market strategies.”

However, Marotta insisted the Bianconeri would not be parting with the likes of Paul Pogba or Arturo Vidal.

“We will not sell our best players, regardless of the fact they have impressed other clubs.

“As for Higuain, if we renew our consideration towards the player then it can be considered a step forward, but any other discussion has to wait until their situation is better defined.

“There will be the all-clear to negotiate only if Real consider it opportune to do so.”

It is reported that Real Madrid agreed to Juve’s request to pay the transfer fee in instalments, but not on the €22m offer.