Juventus fear Manchester United’s £750million sponsorship deal with Adidas puts them on course to lure midfielder Arturo Vidal away from Turin, according to fresh reports in the Italian media.
The German sportswear firm jumped to the front of the queue to team up with the Red Devils after Nike walked away from talks over a renewal, claiming the club wanted too much money.
Nike’s 12-year run as United’s kit manufacturer comes to an end upon the conclusion of the 2014-15 campaign, at which point Adidas will embark on a decade-long arrangement.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims the mega-money deal has not gone unnoticed in the corridors of power at Juve, who are beginning to accept the fact that they could see one of their star men head to Old Trafford.
The report reveals the Chile international may join the Premier League heavyeweights for anywhere between £35m and £47m during the current transfer window, with talks set to intensify when he returns from a short family holiday.
Vidal, who helped Antonio Conte’s side defend their Serie A title during the 2013-14 campaign, has three years remaining on his current contract.
A United statement on the sponsorship deal read: “Manchester United plc has reached a 10-year agreement with Adidas for a global technical sponsorship and dual branded licensing deal for a minimum guarantee of £750million, subject to certain adjustments, beginning with the 2015/2016 campaign.
“For the 2014/2015 season, Nike will continue in its role of technical sponsor and trademark licensee.”