By Matthew Jones
October 3 2002

Vianna wants to play in Italy after his frustration about not being a first-team regular at Tyneside. He has admitted that he has been close to signing for Juventus in the past. THIS IS THE ONLY NEWS ITEM THAT I WILL COPY. I HAVE BEEN VERY BUSY LATELY AND AM DUE OUT VERY SOON. I DO NOT WANT TO MISS ANY NEWS OFF THIS SITE, SO SORRY TEAMTALK.COM

Newcastle ace Hugo Viana says he would love to play in Italy and has admitted his frustration at not being a first-team regular on Tyneside.

The Magpies' midweek Champions League conquerors Juventus had been trailing the 19-year-old for two years before his £8m summer switch to St James' Park.

The Portuguese ace was given only the last 20 minutes to impress his long-term suitors at the Stadio Delle Alpi, and admitted in a post-match interview with Tuttosport that he had come close to joining Juve in the past.

"I had the chance to come to Turin two years ago, but it came to nothing," he said. "At Newcastle, I am not finding a place in the team. I know that is football, but I want to play. Italy would be a dream, even though they treat me well in England."

Viana's comments will irritate United boss Robson, who last week slapped a gagging order on Laurent Robert after the French winger described Newcastle as "a club in crisis" in an interview in his homeland.