Juventus have made an enquiry into a January transfer for Cagliari star and reported Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur target Nahitan Nandez, according to Calciomercato.it.
The Bianconeri have begun sounding out the terms needed to take the Uruguayan from the Sardinian side this month. Massimiliano Allegri is eager to strengthen his Turin ranks during the winter sales, with the Bianconeri already 11-points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan.
Allegri also suffered his seventh defeat since returning to the Allianz Stadium last summer in the Italian Supercoppa. Inter Milan clinched the title in the 121st-minute on Wednesday.
Juventus have only made a preliminary approach to hear Cagliari’s demands to sell Nandez in January. Gli Isolani would want €20m (£16.5m) to grant a permanent move, but will also listen to loan offers. Any temporary deal would have to include a €2m (£1.5m) fee, though.
Additionally, Cagliari would want to agree an option to buy clause that becomes obligatory under set conditions in a loan. The Turin hierarchy will now study Nandez’s case further as they line up midfield targets before deciding on any bid.
Juventus to rival Leeds and Tottenham for Nandez transfer from Cagliari?
Cagliari setting Nandez’s price at £16.5m and their openness to a loan transfer may also be of interest to Leeds and Tottenham. Calciomercato had reported in late December that the Premier League sides have been studying the 26-year-old’s situation for some time.
Napoli and Inter Milan are also monitoring the versatile midfielder, as Cagliari have been considering lowering their valuation. The Sardegna Arena outfit no longer feel it is possible to demand clubs trigger his €36m (£30m) release clause.
Cagliari also need to raise funds this month to finance arrivals for manager Walter Mazzarri, so could sacrifice Nandez. The 49-cap international has featured in 16 of their 21 Serie A fixtures so far this season. He has also played in both wide and central midfield roles.
Nandez has also offered two assists, following a two-goal, three-assist return in 2020/21. His efforts last season considerably impressed Italian pundit Mina Rzouki, as well.
“Nandez is one of the most underrated players,” she claimed on Twitter. “God he’s been so amazing, especially in Cagliari’s last 3 games. He scored the equaliser against Napoli. Man of the match in the win against Udinese. Against Roma – just wow. Unstoppable.”
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