Juventus are reportedly set to make a bid for Tottenham Hotspur flop Erik Lamela.
Italian source La Gazzetta dello Sport claims the Argentina international, who arrived from Roma for £30million last year with a stellar reputation, could be on his way back to Serie A.
New Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri is said to have identified the 22-year-old as one of his main targets for the summer transfer window and is confident of reviving his fortunes in the 2014-15 campaign.
A specific figure is yet to be floated but Spurs are unlikely to recoup the money they spent on their club record acquisition and are likely to take a significant hit if they decide to part company with the player.
Lamela made only nine top-flight appearances and has not featured for Spurs since the 3-0 win against Stoke City on December 29 after suffering a serious back injury.
Chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Franco Baldini, who is in charge of player recruitment at White Hart Lane, will insist on an outright sale as there is little to be gained from farming him out on loan unless a hefty fee is included in the deal.
Baldini in particular is still anxious to see Lamela thrive in the Premier League, as he recommended him to the board of directors 12 months ago.
If he remains at the club, Spurs hope that the appointment of Lamela’s fellow countryman Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach will help him regain his best form next term.