JUVENTUS have joined Barcelona in the race for former Manchester United winger Memphis Depay, according to reports.
The Lyon ace was heavily linked with a move to the Nou Camp at the end of last season.
Juventus will go head-to-head with Barcelona for Lyon ace Memphis DepayCredit: Reuters
But the Catalans will face stiff competition for the Dutchman in January with the Serie A giants also keen, according to Turin newspaper La Stampa.
Juve are also said to be considering including forward Federico Bernardeschi, 26, as part of a swap deal.
The Italians are said to be on the lookout for cheaper deals as they try to manage the financial impact of Covid-19 during the January window.
Depay is in the final year of his contract and could be available for just £4.5million when the transfer window opens next month.
He was a top target for Barcelona gaffer Ronald Koeman last summer but the cash-strapped club could not meet Lyon’s demands.
The Dutchman’s electric form – eight goals in 17 appearances this season – and new bargain price tag has alerted Juventus.
Andrea Pirlo fancies a fourth attacking option to challenge Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata, according to Sport Diario,
Danger man Depay recently dismissed talk of a mid-season switch to Barcelona.
Juve could also include Federico Bernardeschi as part of a swap dealCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Earlier this month, he said: “We have a great team, a great collective spirit and, while I don’t know what will happen later, I’m 100 per cent focused on Lyon right now.
“I’m a player, a captain and the most important thing is working hard and winning matches. If I think about my own future, then I could lose focus.
“I can’t say anything about that [Barcelona interest], there are many clubs that are interested but right now I’m here.”
Depay has rebuilt his reputation at Lyon after a disappointing 18-month spell at Old Trafford in which he could only manage two goals in 33 Premier League appearances.
He is one of eight transfers Barca are looking to sort in Janaury.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
