Manchester United and Liverpool have again been linked with Palermo’s Argentine Wonderkid Javier Pastore.
A host of top European clubs were linked with the attacking midfielder in 2009, but the lure of playing for Walter Zenga’s side proved too much at such a young age. Although mostly introduced from the bench to start with. The youngster described as the new Zidane soon flourished with the arrival of Delio Rossi as Palermo’s head coach.
Pastore, 21 hails from Cordoba and has been thrust into the limelight from a young age since his days at his boy-hood team Talleres he quickly caught the eye of Primera League Huracan and was loaned to them for the 08-09 season. He hit the ground running under the tutelage of Angel Cappa and was the teams top goal scorer, not bad for a midfielder in his first full season in professional football. The highlight of which was his 2 goal salvo against River Plate in Huracan’s 4-0 win.
Mid way through the season some of Europe’s top clubs came calling for the youngster who has a similar playing style to Rui Costa but he chose to continue his development with Huracan. Finally at the end of the season he was the subject of an $8 million transfer to Serie A’s Palermo on a 5 year contract. He has since set the league alight with his sparkling form this culminating in the Rosanero’s 5th place finish and a Europa League spot.
Although only 1 season into his contract it seems he has done enough to convice the 2 Premiership giants that he would be ready to cut his teeth alongside their biggest stars. He was named in Maradona’s World Cup squad and made 2 ventures onto the pitch as a substitute against Greece and Mexico which have done his standing no harm what-so-ever.
Unfortunately it looks like Palermo will do everything in their power to fend off approaches for their prized asset but with player power at an all time high will, Pastore himself have the last say in whether he lands in at Old Trafford or Anfield in the January or summer transfer windows.
