EDGAR DAVIDS has alerted a number of top clubs across Europe by declaring he is unhappy with the current situation he finds himself in at Juventus. The Dutch international has found himself out-of-favour at the Stadio Deli Alpi in the past month or so as Juve coach Marcello Lippi has preferred a midfield partnership of Igor Tudor and Alessio Tacchinardi.

The 28-year-old tough-tackling ace has struggled to hold down a place in the side after he was banned for four months when he tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone last March.

Davids has failed to find his best form since returning and he has been involved in some disciplinary problems.

The former Milan and Ajax star has found himself starting on the bench for the last three games, but he did come on early in Tuesday's Champions League defeat to Arsenal because of an injury to Davids.

Davids is keen to be playing first-team football and if the situation does not improve he has threatened to leave as he knows a number of other clubs are interested in him.

"There are other clubs that want me and at this point I am certain to leave Juventus," said Davids.

"I was glad to play tonight (Tuesday) and in the second half thought I did quite well. I am a team player.

"And I feel that I am still on top form so if there is no space for me here then I will simply find it elsewhere.

"I am fed up with the situation of sitting on the bench."

The Dutchman's claims are sure to lead to a great deal in interest in the player with both Arsenal and Manchester United linked with him in the past.

The news is also sure to fuel speculation that Juve maybe prepared to offer Davids in a swap deal for long-term transfer target Patrick Vieira.

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001

Answers

Fabulous player that he is Edgar has looked out of sorts ever since he came back from his suspension. I'd take him of course, but even if we could afford him would he want to come?

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001

Suspect he'll have his sights set on a Champions League side - which is somewhat annoying because with him bossing our midfield we wouldn't be too far off that. Shame we couldn't afford him!

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001

Well, we know he'd suit the black and white stripes...

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001

Looked like a Roy Keane without the boyish charm when Celtic played Juve

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001

he'd be perfect for us.

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001

Maybe his game will pick up again when he gets back on the nandralone. :-))

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001

Going back to swifts original posting, we must bend over backwards to get him, I mean anyone who can come off the subs bench to replace himself is worth 2 players! I wonder does that count as a substitute?

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001

Top player: precisely what we need - good tackler, good passer, highly mobile and experienced.

A player like Davids could improve our team by 20%. Unfortunately, he'll be out of our price range, and in any event I'm not convinced BR agrees with us on the perceived priority.

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001

We should DEFINITELY be going in for him.

Surely being 4th in the league is good enough to attract someone like him?

I don't have a clue how much he would cost but I'd be chuffed if we could attract Davids here. Maybe we should all send him some Christmas cards to get him to like us? And a Christmas pudding for his agent. And his wife. And a selecction box for his kids.

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001

see the reserves central midfield and check the score

not fair to lay the blame in one area but I have a feeling where the problem may lie

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001

Not a chance in hell

More likely anelka to the mackems

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001

I thought Brain was to blame?

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2001

I reckon we should go for the lad Tudor. He'd be tailor made for advertising the crisps. "CannybagaTudor"

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2001

...............and if we could persuade Super Mac to come out of retirement as well..........

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2001