March 30th, 2000
Toldo ready to quit Fiorentina

by Adam Marshall

FIORENTINA goalkeeper Francesco Toldo is facing a crunch meeting
          with president Vittoria Cecchi Gori with the outcome being his
          likely transfer to another club.
          The Italian international is contracted to Fiore until 2004, but
          he is ready to negotiate a move elsewhere, if the club agree to
          his sale. "In the next few hours, I will meet with president
          Cecchi Gori in Rome," admitted Toldo.
          Fiorentina's poor form in Serie A, and exit from the Champions
          League, despite victory against Manchester United in the group
          stage last year, has led to plenty of unrest amongst star men
          such as Gabriel Batistuta and Abel Balbo.
          And, like 'Batigol', Toldo is also aware of interest in his
          services from United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, as he continues to
          look for a new goalkeeper. However, Roma and Lazio are also keen
          to sign the 28-year-old and they would probably be ready to
          offer a king's ransom for a number one of such proven Serie A
          quality.
          Fiorentina have been considering Barcelona's Ruud Hesp as a
          possible replacement and they are certain to be linked with a
          number of keepers if Toldo is allowed to leave. Barca are also
          claiming they have an option on Hesp but he is a top target for
          Cecchi Gori.
          Meanwhile, general manager Giancarlo Antognoni was spotted at
          the England Under-21 match against Yugoslavia in Barcelona. It
          is possible that he was watching Partizan striker Mateja Kezman
          but the English youngsters, such as Steven Gerrard, Frank
          Lampard and Rio Ferdinand, took centre stage.

Taken from Opta Soccer
Provided by Jas (www.fiorentina-online.com)