Juventus are waiting for Aston Villa to formalise their interest in Rodrigo Bentancur with an official offer so that Massimiliano Allegri can finalise Nahitan Nandez’s arrival from Cagliari.
That’s according to TuttoMercatoWEB, who note the Bianconeri expect the Villans to make an imminent bid of €25m (£21m). The Serie A outfit are waiting on Steven Gerrard’s side to advance their position, having shown positive signs during negotiations.
Juventus believe Aston Villa are willing to rise to their valuation in order to take Bentancur to England this month. They are loath to lessen their stance, as the Old Lady will owe Boca Juniors 35% of the sale. The clause is linked to his £8m move to Turin in 2017.
The Express & Star have noted Juventus will owe Boca Juniors a third of any profit made by selling Bentancur to Aston Villa. They also report he is Gerrard’s top target to improve the Villa Park engine room before Monday’s transfer deadline strikes.
Juventus waiting for Aston Villa to sign Bentancur
Juventus are also waiting on Aston Villa to purchase Bentancur so Allegri can seal Nandez’s transfer from Cagliari. The Allianz Stadium manager had anticipated Arsenal completing a deal for Arthur Melo, but his move has hit a stalemate.
Cagliari are ready to send Nandez to Turin on loan for €2m (£1.5m), plus a €15m (£12.5m) obligation to buy. Juventus are ready to meet the offer once Bentancur leaves, while also looking to loan youngster Kaio Jorge to Cagliari.
Bentancur has been a key part of Allegri’s plans so far this season, making 26 appearances in all competitions. The 24-year-old has also started 18 of his outings, including five of the Bianconeri’s Champions League group stage fixtures.
Allegri fielded Bentancur in both of the Old Lady’s meetings with Chelsea as they beat the Blues to top Group H. Juventus will now face Villarreal in the last 16, their seventh-straight appearance in the knockout phase of the competition.
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