PAPER TALK: Juve, Agnelli gets serious for Matuidi; Morrison stays in Rome; Liverpool face competition for Dahoud
Juventus president Andrea Agnelli is set to meet PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi to try to bring Blaise Matuidi to Turin in January. The bianconeri pursued the 28-year-old French midfielder all summer and according to Tuttosport, are prepared to table a €25 million bid plus bonuses whilst offering the player a three-year contract.
Should these proposed new talks fail to reach an amicable solution, it’s likely Juve will concentrate on Belgian international Axel Witsel. The 27-year-old was all set for Turin on deadline-day but his club Zenit St Petersburg refused to sanction the deal. Should he be allowed to join in January (and should Juve still be in the competition), he would be eligible to play in the Champions League as his current employers have failed to reach the group stages.
OTHER HEADLINES:
Calciomercato.com’s Fabrizio Romano states that Roma defender Kostas Manolas will sign a new deal in the Italian capital imminently. The Greek international was subject of much speculation during the summer with Chelsea being heavily linked with a move.
The Italian press once again states that Juventus are to step up their pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud. The highly rated 20-year-old is also wanted by Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund.
The Italian press once again states that Juventus are to step up their pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud. The highly rated 20-year-old is also wanted by Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund.
Napoli play-maker Dries Mertens has run into problems over a contract renewal with the club. The Belgian international wants to commit his future to the southern giants but issues surrounding image rights have interrupted negotiations (Il Mattino)
Corriere dello Sport states that Lazio have included English striker Ravel Morrison in their 25-man Serie A squad for this season. The 23-year-old looked set to be joining Queens Park Rangers on-loan but the deal fell through so the former Manchester United youth player stays in Italy.
Juventus midfielder Hernanes has been linked with a January move to Valencia. The 31-year-old has rejected several offers this summer and will remain in Turin until at least January (deportevalenciano.com)
Torino are considering a swoop in the new year for Dynamo Kiev defender Domagoj Vida. The 27-year-old Croatian international has a contract in the Ukraine until December 2017 (Tuttosport).
Steve Mitchell @barafundler
Steve Mitchell @barafundler
