Juventus head coach Antonio Conte is reportedly facing the prospect of losing midfield linchpin Arturo Vidal to Manchester United in a deal which could exceed £40million.
According to Tutto Mercato Web, he asked directors earlier on in the summer to make sure the Chile international and engine room partner Paul Pogba remain at the club regardless of big-money offers from some of Europe’s heavyweights.
However, the latest report claims Conte is set to see only half of his wishes come true, with Pogba close to committing his future to the Turin giants but Vidal the subject of intense interest from the Red Devils.
Serie A champions Juve can no longer guarantee that they will resist United’s overtures for the 27-year-old, in the knowledge that new head coach Louis van Gaal has made Vidal his top summer transfer window priority at Old Trafford.
The player has also once again refused to rule out a switch to the Premier League outfit, telling La Terceea in his homeland: “I’ve heard these rumours, but I’ve never spoken. I am resting now as I’m on holiday and I’ll see what happens when I return to Italy.
“I am calm. Everyone would like to play in one of the best teams in the world.”
Vidal, who helped Conte’s side successfully defend their domestic title during the 2013-14 campaign, has three years remaining on his current contract.