Juventus are poised to challenge AC Milan in pursuit of Manchester United winger Nani.
Reports emerged on Tuesday that the Rossoneri are committed to acquiring the Portuguese international for a reduced fee of £12 million, a far cry from the £20 million Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils splashed on the 25 year-old five years ago.
Nani started in the Seleccao‘s disappointing Tuesday 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland at the Estadio do Dragao, but has struggled to find a place in the United first eleven throughout the current campaign. In conjunction, talks over a new contract have repeatedly stalled, fueling speculation that a move away from Old Trafford is imminent.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision to employ a system lacking traditional wingers on the season has left Nani on the squad’s fringes, and it is understood that the famed coach is prepared to allow the midfielder to leave, but only for the right price.
Competition from Juventus thus represents a blow to Milan’s ambitions of landing the former Sporting Lisbon man at a cut-rate, whilst it is also unlikely the cash-strapped Diavolo would be able to match a Bianconeri bid.
Juventus sit atop the Serie A standings as joint leaders with Napoli, having won six of their first seven league matches. Conversely, Milan languish in eleventh place, managing on 7 points thus far in the campaign.
You can follow Ian Capasso on Twitter @serieAzzurri and @capasso10.
