[Jager]

Italians prepare Czech cash Wednesday 15 August, 2007

A trio of Italian sides are preparing to fight for the services of Czech starlet Martin Fenin, according to reports in the peninsula.

The 20-year-old striker caught the eye at the summer’s Under-20 World Cup and has enjoyed a dream start to the Gambrinus Liga season with Teplice.

Now there are reports that Atalanta, Fiorentina and Lazio are all ready to approach the Glassmakers with generous offers.

Fenin – who hails from Pavel Nedved’s hometown of Cheb - has been selected for the Czech Republic’s upcoming friendly against Austria and is valued at around £5m.

However, that sum may rise given that there is also reported interest from several top European sides including Espanyol, Barcelona and Werder Bremen.

“We haven’t said that we want to sell Fenin, but we will be listening to all offers,” revealed Teplice President Frantisek Hardlicka. “We aren’t in any hurry and we are under no pressure so we will dictate the deal.”

It seems likely that Fenin will command the nation’s record transfer fee and his agent Pavel Zika believes the transfer will improve the Gambrinus Liga’s profile.

“Selling Martin for such a figure would be exceptional for Czech football,” he beamed.

“But we want to look at all the options and do what is best for for the player. The lad’s opinion is very important.”

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