La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Bologna still hope to extend Thiago Motta’s contract beyond June 2024 despite interest from Juventus and Manchester United in their coach.
Motta is arguably Italy’s most exciting coach this season as his Bologna are in the race to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in history. The former Italy international’s contract expires in the summer, and a number of top European clubs have been linked with the 41-year-old.
Multiple sources claim the former midfielder is Juventus’ leading candidate to replace Massimiliano Allegri, but Manchester United are also watching the ex-Inter and Barcelona star, as confirmed by Friday’s printed edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport on page eight.
Bologna aim to frustrate Juventus and Man Utd in Thiago Motta chase
However, the pink paper claims Bologna have not lost hope to extend with their coach. Owner Joey Saputo and club directors are confident of persuading Motta to stay beyond the summer if the Rossoblu qualify for the Champions League.
Gazzetta had reported only two days ago that Bologna were ready to offer Motta a new two-year deal.
Bologna director Claudio Fenucci has recently spoken about Motta’s future at the club saying to be annoyed by growing rumours.
“Thiago is working like he had a long-term contract with us,” he told Radio Serie A on April 15.
“”It’s not a problem that he hasn’t yet confirmed his journey with us for the coming years. What bothers me a little is the continuous rumours and the noise around our players. I am not okay with it. We are a strong club, one of the most solid in Serie A and we don’t want to change this group in the future. It’s very annoying to see many of our players linked with other clubs, it’s not a nice feeling.”