According to reports from Italy this morning, Juventus are back in the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic. Tuttosport claims that the Bianconeri, who are long term admirers of the 28-year-old, have rekindled their desire to bring the player to Serie A after it was reported from the UK that the Red Devils had decided to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.
 

Matic is unhappy at his lack of game time towards the end of last season and despite the Premier League champions being ready to offer him a new deal at Stamford Bridge, it seems the player’s mind is now made up and he wants to depart West London this summer.
 

JUVE IDENTIFY THEIR REPLACEMENT FOR ALEX SANDRO:
 

Reports in Spanish journal Marca claims that the Bianconeri will target Valencia’s Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo; if Alex Sandro leaves the club this summer. The 26-year-old is wanted by Chelsea as part of Antonio Conte’s reported £105M assault on his former club which would also see centre-back Leonardo Bonucci heading to Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old Cancelo grew up in the youth team at Benfica before joining Valencia on-loan in 2014. He made his move permanent a year later.


 

OTHER HEADLINES:
 

More Juve news with reports that Senegalese forward Keita Balde has failed to find an agreement with the club. The 22-year-old Lazio player is also wanted by AC Milan and his agent has now told Corriere dello Sport that they will listen to the Rossoneri’s proposal.

It looks set to be a Milan derby for Croatian striker Nicola Kalinic. The 28-year-old is set to leave Fiorentina this summer and despite interest from West Ham United, Corriere dello Sport claims that it has come down to a straight fight between the two city rivals.

Despite reports on Saturday stating that Manchester United were set to make a bumper offer to Roma for Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan, Sky Sport Italia states this morning that the 29-year-old is close to a contract renewal with the Giallorossi which will make him one of the club’s biggest earners.

Roma meanwhile, are closing in on a move for Feyenoord full-back Rick Karsdorp. The 22-year-old Dutchman looks set to arrive in the Italian capital for a fee of €15M (Corriere dello Sport) 




Steve Mitchell