Juventus Contact Schalke Over Forward

Defending champions and current league leaders Juventus are reportedly holding talks with German Bundesliga club Schalke 04 over a possible move for their 19-year-old attacking midfielder Julian Draxler.

The Bianconeri’s midfield is already regarded as one of the best in world football.

Regulars Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio are aided by an able supporting cast including 20-year-old Paul Pogba this season, but an additional creative player such as Draxler is thought to be an attractive proposition for the league leaders, who are already thinking ahead to the next campaign.

The midfielder has been attracting the interest of many big clubs but is thought to be more interested in a move to Spain than Italy.

However, the Gelsenkirchen club currently sit just outside the Champions League qualification places in the Bundesliga. It is possible the lure of guaranteed football at that level next season with the Bianconeri could prove the ideal attraction for the young playmaker to make the move to Serie A.

Draxler has appeared 31 times for Die Knappen so far this season, scoring 10 goals and contributing four assists.