[D-Kin]

Rafa releases Sissoko to Juve Friday 25 January, 2008

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Rafa Benitez and Mohamed Sissoko have confirmed a move to Juventus could be completed over the weekend.

Liverpool midfielder Sissoko has made it abundantly clear for some time that he wants to leave the Premiership side and reunite with his former Valencia Coach Claudio Ranieri.

"I have very good contact with Juve and my agent is in Turin to have negotiations," Sissoko told Sky Sports News.

Now Liverpool boss Benitez has also noted that a deal is in the offing for the 23-year-old, as money from this sale would be poured back into making Javier Mascherano a permanent buy.

"It could help," Benitez told Liverpool's official website.

"We don't have too much news but we are working with Sissoko and I think we are close to a final solution which will be good for him and the club.

"I have confidence Mascherano will stay with us. I don't know the exact position now but I talked to the player yesterday and he wants to stay.

"I have had some contact with the owners. We were talking before about Sissoko and Mascherano. We are working and being pro-active."

Juve cleared a place for Sissoko – who is currently with Mali at the African Cup of Nations – this week by handing Sergio Almiron to Monaco.

Tiago Mendes is also expected to leave Turin during the transfer window in a £9m move to Tottenham.

channel4.com - Football Italia