Juventus are on the verge of signing Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko for £8.5m, reports in Italy claim.
The 22-year-old has been on the club’s wish list for some time as the Bianconeri look to strengthen their squad in view of their return to the top flight.
The young Mali international, who was asked for by previous Coach Didier Deschamps last November, is considered by many as the new Patrick Vieira.
Juventus turned their attention to Sissoko after the Bianconeri missed out on Werder Bremen ace Torsten Frings last month.
Stories in the peninsula suggest that Sissoko has reached an agreement with Juventus, who will now meet Liverpool officials to finalise the move.
The Italian giants are understood to have tabled an offer of just under £9m and the Champions League finalists are ready to do business.
Sissoko, who was born in France, faces stiff competition for a starting shirt at Anfield given the presence of Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard in their squad. They have also agreed to sign Brazil U-20 captain Lucas Pezzini in July.
Meanwhile, Marco Tardelli looks like he will remain on the Juventus board despite rumours suggesting that he was ready to quit.
However, Roberto Bettega looks like he is on his way out after the transfer consultant wasn’t offered a new contract in Turin.
Football Italia