Juventus reportedly used trips to England during the pursuit of Manchester United’s Patrice Evra to step up their attempts to sign Manchester City defender Matija Nastasic.
According to Italian source Tutto Mercato Web, the Turin giants’ delegation have made the Blues centre-half a priority acquisition and they have informed his club of their intentions.
However, while they are on the brink of securing Evra’s services for a modest fee, there is thought to be some way to go before they can reach an agreement with the Premier League champions for Nastasic.
The report claims City are willing to part company with the 21-year-old because they have made a breakthrough in their efforts to land Eliaquim Mangala from Porto, but they are not the only club interested in the Serbia international.
Paris Saint-Germain and Roma are also in the hunt for Nastasic, and Ligue 1 heavyweights PSG are known to possess the financial muscle to win virtually any bidding war.
Juve have made it clear that they envision an initial season-long loan deal with a view to a permanent move.
It is not an arrangement his club has been keen on in the past, but the anticipated arrival of Mangala could soften their stance in the coming days.