Juventus closing in on switch for Schalke’s Liverpool target German international defender Benedikt Howedes

JUVENTUS have reportedly stolen a march on Liverpool as they close in on the signing of Benedikt Howedes.

The 29-year-old is now finally set to depart Schalke for the Serie A giants this week.

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According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus hope to the tie up the deal by close of play on Wednesday.

SunSport reported on Friday how Howedes had allegedly snubbed Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool in favour of a move to Italy.

Juve are in the market for a defender after Leonardo Bonucci left for AC Milan.

And versatile Howedes, who has made over 300 appearances for Schalke, is expected to plug the gap.

The versatile 44-cap Germany international can play both left-back and centre-half.

And he is said to be primed to play in a central role for the Bianconeri.

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Liverpool had been linked with a move for a player Klopp knows from his time bossing in the Bundesliga.

The Premier League Reds have so far been frustrated in their attempts to land a commanding central defender this summer.

Klopp still wants to sign Virgil van Dijk from Southampton.

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But Saints are adamant they will not sell, despite the Dutchman’s transfer request.

Now it seems they are set to miss out on Howedes too.

And that is expected to lead to Anfield chiefs making another bumper, last-ditch move to try and convince the Saints to cash in on the 26-year-old.

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