Corriere dello Sport claims that Juventus have made new contact with Chelsea for Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic. The 27-year-old is on the bianconeri’s hit-list to replace Paul Pogba but the Premier League side are digging their heels in to try to keep the player. Only a few days ago, new boss Antonio Conte explained that the Serbian international was an integral part of his plans this season and that he had the potential to become one of the best midfielders in world football. Despite having already signed N’Golo Kante from Leicester City, the Italian believes there is space for Matic in his squad.  

The journal also states that the bianconeri are still considering moves for Belgian international Axel Witsel and PSG’s Blaise Matuidi. Witsel has been heavily linked with a move to Everton but the player himself is believed to prefer a switch to Turin having already sent an sms to his current club Zenit St Petersburg explaining this. Matuidi may become surplus to requirements under new coach Unai Emery in the French capital with Manchester United also making enquiries as to his availability.

  
 

The Paul Pogba deal will be finalised early next week (Various). Final details are being put in place before the 23-year-old becomes the most expensive player in football history.  

Roma have turned their attentions to Spurs defender Federico Fazio (Corriere dello Sport). The giallorossi has the 29-year-old on a two-man shortlist alongside FC Twente’s Hakim Ziyech.


 

Napoli look to have won the race with Roma to sign Bologna midfielder Amadou Diawara (Gazzetta dello Sport). The highly-rated 18-year-old was set to head to the capital but now the vesuviani are in pole-position to take him.
 

Milan are pushing to sign Chelsea wide-man Juan Cuadrado (Tuttosport). The 28-year-old Colombian wants to return to Serie A after his loan-spell at Juventus.

 

Lazio midfielder Antonio Candreva will take a pay cut in order to complete his move to Inter (Corriere dello Sport). 
 

Newly promoted Cagliari are close to signing former Roma striker Marco Borriello (Tuttosport)


 

Christina Vieri is set to make a playing comeback at 43 years of age. According to Tuttosport, the former Inter, Lazio and Juve star will sign a lucrative contract in China.


Steve Mitchell @barafundler