Report: UCL side contact 25-cap West Ham target, has received offer from Crystal Palace

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Juventus may look to rival for rumoured West Ham United and Crystal Palace target Nikola Maksimovic if Daniele Rugani completes a transfer to Napoli, according to Calciomercato.

The Bianconeri are considering sanctioning Rugani’s exit to their Serie A rivals on the eve of the new top-flight season. Luciano Spalletti’s Stadio Diego Armando Maradona side want to strengthen his backline after releasing Maksimovic at the end of his contract in June.

The Azzurri have already brought in one centre-half with Juan Jesus joining for free after leaving Roma earlier this summer. But Napoli could follow the Brazilian’s arrival by striking a deal with Juventus for Rugani before the August 31 deadline.

Juventus would ideally want to replace Rugani in Massimiliano Allegri’s ranks if the Italian moves to Naples. Bianconeri chiefs have approached Maksimovic to discuss joining the Turin powerhouse, but would have to overcome interest from Genoa.

Maksimovic also has strong interest from the Premier League, after the Mirror reported West Ham made him an offer. Crystal Palace also tabled a deal to the potentially Juventus-bound defender this summer, per Corriere dello Sport journalist Antonio Giordano.

Genoa have now made Maksimovic an offer, as well, after Napoli backed out of a potential return when signing Jesus. Juventus are yet to make the Serbian a formal offer, and any such proposal would be at the last minute.

Will Juventus be too much for West Ham and Palace in Maksimovic chase?

Interest from Juventus may prove to be too substantial for West Ham and Crystal Palace to overcome to sign Maksimovic. Allegri can offer the 25-cap international Champions League football and the chance to win the Serie A title this season.

West Ham can offer Maksimovic European football in the Europa League, which is at least more than Crystal Palace. But the London rivals would likely have to rely on regular game time in the Premier League being the more substantial pull to ignore the Old Lady.

Maksimovic could struggle to oust Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Matthijs de Ligt in the Juventus backline. But would likely feel confident of securing a place under Patrick Vieira at Palace, or standing a good chance of securing minutes under Moyes at West Ham.