Juventus target Premier League pair for Champions League return
Published:Juventus remain unbeaten in Serie A this season, and, gunning for a first title in nine years, they are ready to end their three year Champions League hiatus.
With a return to Europe’s elite competition imminent, boss Antonio Conte has set about identifying transfer targets to strengthen his squad, and Nemanja Vidic and Fernando Torres are said to be his preferred options.
Conte has been promised funds to build on the impressive job he has already done in Turin, and he now seems keen to invest in a £50million package to bring both of the Premier League stars to the club.
A move for a top class striker was believed to be Conte’s initial chief priority, but a loosening of the purse strings from Juve owners the Agnelli family could also see him significantly strengthen his backline, with the addition of one of the world’s best centre halves in Vidic.
The dominant Serbian defender will remain sidelined until the start of next season, though Manchester United have coped admirably in his absence this campaign, and so Sir Alex Ferguson may be willing to part with his captain providing he receives a substantial fee.
Vidic will have only one year remaining on his contract come the summer too, strengthening the idea that he may finally make a long-mooted move to Serie A.
Meanwhile, Torres is still to fully settle in at Stamford Bridge, and, dependant on the manager of the London club come the summer, he could be allowed to move on also.
Chelsea maintain a strong interest in powerful Napoli striker Edinson Cavani, and are also keeping tabs on forwards Gonzalo Higuain, Hulk, and Ezequiel Lavezzi, so any potential move for these would make Torres’ outgoing appear likely.
Roberto Di Matteo has brought out glimpses of the Spaniard’s best form, but as the caretaker manager’s tenure is expected to cease in the close season, Torres could opt for a fresh challenge in Italian football.
