Madrid strike deal for Juventus duo

Real Madrid CF have agreed a deal to sign Italy's FIFA World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro and Brazil midfielder Emerson from Juventus.

Mijatović role
"Real Madrid would like to announce that they have reached an agreement with Juventus for the signing of Fabio Cannavaro and Emerson," said a statement on the club's website last night. "The agreement was finalised this Wednesday evening in Turin by sporting director Predrag Mijatović. The international players will be presented at the [Santiago] Bernabéu in the next few days."

Capello connection
The two will join up with coach Fabio Capello, who recently moved to the Spanish capital from Juve. Pending appeal, the Italian side will play in Serie B this season after being relegated for their part in a sporting-fraud scandal. Cannavaro is a 32-year-old centre-back who enjoyed a superb World Cup at the heart of the triumphant Italy team. Emerson turned 30 in April and has been a long-standing transfer target for Madrid. He had four campaigns under Capello at AS Roma before following him to Turin in 2004.

Buffon boost
Meanwhile, Juventus have been boosted by the news that goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is happy to remain at the Stadio Delle Alpi and help the club fight for promotion. "Gigi is going to stay at Juventus. This is the decision he has taken. He's prepared to play in Serie B," Buffon's agent Silvano Martina said. "Juventus don't intend to sell him and he has told them he is prepared to stay."