Premier League trio West Ham United, Southampton and Crystal Palace like Koni de Winter but the Juventus youngster still hopes for a bright future at the Serie A giants.
So says his agent; the Belgian U21 international shining on loan at Empoli during an excellent breakthrough campaign in Italy’s top flight.
West Ham, according to Tuttomercatoweb, are emerging as one of the leading candidates to sign the £17 million-rated De Winter during the summer transfer window.
But Fabrizio Loio, the 20-year-old’s representative, insists that De Winter still plans to force his way into Max Allegri’s first-team picture at the Allianz Stadium.
West Ham, Southampton and Crystal Palace like Juventus’ Koni de Winter
“For me, the two best matches he played (were) at San Siro, against Inter and Milan. He showed what he’s made of,” Loio tells Tutto Juve.
“The choice of Empoli was the best possible one. Here, he’s had the opportunity to compete with the best. This way, it was easier to be observed by Allegri and his staff. His dream is always to play for the Juventus first team.”
In addition to West Ham, Tuttomercatoweb believe that Crystal Palace and Southampton are also admirers of the Antwerp-born 20-year-old. The Saints make a habit of unearthing diamonds in the rough, while Crystal Palace appear to be embracing a similar transfer policy; Michael Olise, Ebere Eze and Cheick Doucoure arriving at Selhurst Park in recent windows.
A place in the heart of Juventus’ backline may be within De Winter’s reach, however. Especially with Giorgio Cheillini gone, and Leonardo Bonucci turning 36 next week.
“The boy would like clarity on his future,” Loio adds. “Juve are betting on him strongly, otherwise they wouldn’t have renewed his contract.
“But given the offers and the teams moving for him, it’s right to make a certain type of reasoning. His goal, as I was saying, it is to go back to (Juventus), playing in the first team.
“Otherwise, the doors could open up for him in Italy or abroad for a higher-level loan.”
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