Juventus boss Didier Deschamps has admitted he is a fan of Javier Mascherano, as talk of a transfer for the West Ham midfielder continues to grow.
Both Mascherano and his international colleague Carlos Tevez have been linked with a January exit from Upton Park after the failure of Kia Joorabchian - the man who brought them to the Premiership - to take control of the London club.
New owner Eggert Magnusson has tried to keep a lid on speculation that the former Corinthians stars will leave in the New Year, but Mascherano in particular continues to be linked with a move aboard after failing to settle at The Hammers.
Juventus have been put forward as potential candidates for his signature, should MSI decide to move him on, and Deschamps has conceded that Mascherano is the kind of quality player he is searching for.
However, the Bianconeri are currently planning market moves for June, when they hope to have confirmed their Serie A status, meaning talk of a January move for Mascherano may be premature.
"Mascherano? Now he's not playing, but he did good things with the national team," Deschamps told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"There is the need to evaluate the cost, but if it is not him, it will be people of his level - international and proven players.
"The club and the owners know that Juve need investment if they are going to fight for the title.
"I believe in this because there are no signals to make me think otherwise."
Both Gianluigi Buffon and David Trezeguet have stated they will only stay in Turin if Juve build a team capable of challenging for the Serie A title next season - assuming they win promotion this term - and Deschamps has recognised the need for substantial investment.
"They are right, the team must surely be strengthened with important players, at least three; one for each line," Deschamps added.
"[We need] elements who could allow us to make a jump in quality, and maybe another two or three replacing those who will have their contracts expire."
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