Juventus to make shock £22.5million bid for Manchester United star Marouane Fellaini if they fail to land No1 target Blaise Matuidi
The shock 3-2 defeat to Lazio in the Italian Super Cup has seen Massimiliano Allegri's need for new additions only intensify
JUVENTUS have made Marouane Fellaini one of their top targets as they look to bolster their midfield.
Blaise Matuidi is still the Bianconeri’s first choice and reports in Italy suggest a deal with the current Paris Saint-Germain man could be reached by the weekend.
But, SunSport understands Juve also want a tall and physically strong midfielder.
Reported interest from Galatasaray led Jose Mourinho to admit it would be easier for a club to sign him than it would be the Belgian.
However, Juventus are hopeful Nemanja Matic’s impressive start to life at Manchester United may see the ‘Special One’ soften his stance.
Massimiliano Allegri wants to bring in two central midfielders in before the summer transfer window slams shut — and the need for new faces have intensified following a shock loss to Lazio in the Italian Super Cup.
But, should they complete a deal for Matuidi, they would only be willing to pay around £22.5million to sign Fellaini.
And United are unlikely to accept that for a player they would rather not sell.
Man Utd transfer latest
Allegri sees Fellaini as the ideal partner for the stylish Miralem Pjanic in midfield — and could form a strong defensive unit alongside Matuidi next season.
The Bianconeri are still trying to replace the steel of Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal, who left the club in the past two summers.
They have left the No 14 shirt unoccupied, which is expected to be for Matuidi.
Fellaini started the Uefa Super Cup defeat to Real Madrid on the bench, but came on to great effect — and helped create United's consolation goal.
He was again omitted from the starting line-up for Premier League opener.
And, in the middle of the park, Matic excelled.
Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and gossip with our live blog
