Juventus target triple Manchester United free-transfer swoop
The Italian giants have become accustomed to bringing in experienced players and they are reportedly eyeing up three Old Trafford freebies.
The transfer market for the summer may have closed but Juventus are already planning their strategy for next season. According to reports coming out of England, the Italian giants are looking to follow their recent acquisitions of free transfers Emre Can or Aaron Ramsey, with a raid on Manchester United.
Old Lady targets Old Trafford
With experienced players coming to the end of their contracts at the Premier League club in 2020, the reports state that Juve are keen to bring in David de Gea, Eric Bailly and Nemanja Matic, adding to their squad across key positions.
The Spanish goalkeeper appears not to want to renew with the Red Devils at the moment - despite being lined up for a monster raise - knowing that a lucrative package would await him if he was to let his contract run down. And once the doors of Real Madrid and PSG were closed - with the various moves of Courtois, Areola, Keylor Navas and Sergio Rico - Juventus appear to be one of only a few clubs that would tick the appropriate boxes for the stopper, including being able to afford his wage demands. With Szczesny, Buffon and the currently injured Perin representing the vecchia signora, few would argue that De Gea would take over first team duties upon arrival.
Eric Bailly will also see his contract end in 2020. Injuries have plagued his impact at United despite high hopes and after signing Harry Maguire he's going to struggle to get back into Solskjaer's first XI plans. That said, it won't be easy getting into the starting line-up for the Serie A champions, as De Ligt, one of the most expensive ever defenders, is finding. But a fresh start may be what the Ivorian requires.
The other player on their freebie shopping list is Nemanja Matic. The Serbian was outstanding at Chelsea, but is not getting the opportunities under his current manager. At Juventus his experience would be valued and Sarri is not afraid to entrust performances to those in their thirties.
Clearly plenty of water will pass under the bridge before next summer but the plans are being made early, allowing appropriate time to make moves happen. Other clubs will also have these players on their radar, but, as we've seen in recent seasons, there is a strong pull in Turin.