Chelsea Favourites To Sign £40m Brazil Star

Chelsea is in pole position to sign Santos starlet Neymar are hoping to sign the striker when the January transfer window reopens.

The Blues now appear favourites to clinch the signature of the Brazil international after Santos suffered a breakdown in relations with interested parties Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Santos president Luis Ribeiro angrily denied claims that Neymar was on the verge of agreeing a pre-contract agreement with Real, while he is also accused Barcelona of delaying tactics.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is now ready to take advantage of the situation and meet the teenagers £40m buyout clause the West London club held preliminary talks with the Brazil side in August.

But Ribiero has said Neymar is close to agreeing a new deal, however, this could be a tactic to get reported suitors to firm up their interest.

"He is closer to a contract extension than to a move abroad," said Ribeiro.

"He will sign a new contract. He has a very good salary at Santos and we're confident that he will stay in Brazil.

"We expect him to sign shortly. We are working hard on this and expect news in the near future."

He added: "Neymar hasn't signed anything with another club as that would be illegal.

"He has an ongoing contract with us and I'm sure that [Real Madrid president] Florentino Perez wouldn't do anything like this as he knows the potential consequences.

"We will not hesitate to report them to FIFA if there's proof that there's a pre-contract, but I don't think we have to go that far, because there's no signed pre-agreement."

Manchester City Eye Swoop For Germany International

Manchester City is considering a move for unsettled Werder Bremen goalkeeper Tim Wiese.

The German international has admitted he would like to play in a foreign league when his contract expires next year with the German league club.

City signed Costel Pantilimon from FC Timisoara for an undisclosed fee in the summer, but Roberto Mancini is keen on recruiting another 'keeper to aid City's bid to challenge on all fronts this season.

Weise, who has made five appearances for Germany, is out of contract with Bremen after next June's Euro 2012 tournament to be hosted by Poland and the Ukraine with the final being held in Kiev on July 1.

The 29-year-old is seeking a contract extension at Werder or a main move abroad, with the Citizens mulling over a cut-price £1m bid for his services in January.

"Next year, I will be on a free transfer and so there are lots of possibilities," Wiese told German magazine Kicker.

"I'm only 29 years old and another league would appeal to me if things don't work out at Werder."

Werder are currently second in the Bundesliga having won four of their first five games and Wiese says things are going well in Bremen after last season's flirt with relegation.

"Things are going well because we are successful and having fun," he said.

"We are playing football together again, it's as simple as that."

Juventus Ponder Move For Benfica's Joan Capdevila

Juventus are weighing up the merits of a winter bid for Benfica's out-of-favour left-back Joan Capdevila, Tuttosport claims.

The current Serie A leaders are understood to be scouring the market for a left-sided defender after shipping Reto Ziegler out to Fenerbahce on loan.

Capdevila has grown unsettled at his lack of playing time after joining Benfica in the summer on a free transfer from Villarreal.

The 33-year-old has not been included in Benfica's 25-man squad for the Champions League, with coach Jorge Jesus making no secret the Spaniard falls behind Emerson in the pecking order.

Juventus are reportedly monitoring Capdevila's situation very closely and could soon engage in talks with Benfica with a view to signing the World Cup winner for the second half of the season.

Chelsea Set To Join Manchester City In Sergio Busquets Race

Chelsea is being linked with a big-money transfer battle with Manchester City over Spanish international midfielder Sergio Busquets.

The Barcelona star is reportedly set to become the subject of a bidding war between the two Barclays Premier League clubs, with the Etihad Stadium outfit first linked with a £35 million move for the player earlier in the week.

Reports in France now claim Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is prepared to rival Roberto Mancini when the transfer window re-opens in January, should the La Liga giants be willing to sell the 23-year-old.

With concerns over the long-term fitness of Ghanaian international defensive midfielder Michael Essien, Chelsea is reportedly weighing up their options with regards to cover in the position.

Busquets has rapidly risen through the ranks at the Nou Camp to become regarded as one of the world's best in his position, making an impact at both domestic and international level since making his first team debut for the Catalan outfit in 2008.

The Spaniard would also add youth to an ageing squad at Stamford Bridge, whilst joining a growing crop of compatriots at Chelsea with Fernando Torres and Juan Mata already in the ranks.

Manchester United Eyes Double Samba Swoop

Manchester United are rumoured to be keeping tabs on Brazil's latest twin talents Alex and Andre Santos reports talkSPORT.

The pair, who recently signed four-year deals with Eredivisie outfit Vitesse, are yet to appear for the first-team, but are tipped for bright futures having emerged from South America with big reputations.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson is a known admirer of young, up-and-coming talent from that part of the world, having snapped up teenage twins Rafael and Fabio Da Silva from Fluminese three years ago.

And history could be about to repeat itself, as Fergie deploys his team of Manchester United scouts to run the rule over the promising duo, with a view to bringing the 19-year-old siblings to Old Trafford.

The Santos brothers will be monitored closely, to see how they are progressing in Holland, before the Barclays Premier League champions make a decision - based very much on the future of Manchester United football club - as to whether or not they could have a future with the Reds.

Sources in Brazil have indicated that United's track record with the success of the Da Silva twins means the Santos brothers are well-placed as they look to realize their dream.

Bayern Munich Plot January Raid For Chelsea Star

Bayern Munich is set to make a move for Chelsea winger Florent Malouda when the transfer window re-opens in January.

Germany's leading sports magazine Kicker is reporting that Bayern Munich are showing a big interest in the French international and are hoping to finalize a deal to bring him to the club in the new year.

Malouda was linked with a switch away from Stamford Bridge during the summer following the arrival of Juan Mata, but the move never materialized.

AC Milan and Juventus have also been linked with the 31-year-old, but Bayern Munich is confident they can win the race to clinch his signature.

Malaga Keen On Real Madrid's Esteban Granero

Malaga is looking to sign Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero, news daily AS claims.

The 24-year-old has only appeared as a late substitute so that this season, in the capital side's 4-2 La Liga victory against Getafe.

Granero has reportedly grown unhappy at his lack of playing time at the Santiago Bernabeu and is currently assessing his options.

And a move to Malaga appears to be Granero's liking as it would spell a reunion with coach Manuel Pellegrini, under whom he enjoyed his most successful period at Real Madrid.

The Chilean boss is reportedly interested in adding to his central midfield, an area in which Malaga are short of numbers.

It is believed Madrid would not stand in the way of a transfer for Granero, who re-signed for the Copa del Rey holders in the summer of 2009 after two seasons at Getafe.

David Beckham Wanted By Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has revealed he would like to bring David Beckham to the club.

During the LA Galaxy midfielder's loan spells in Italy with AC Milan, Beckham was managed by the Brazilian.

Asked if the Qatari-owned club would consider signing the 36-year-old former England captain, Leonardo told the BBC: "The door is open.

"He is more than a football player - he's a brand, a pop star. I would always consider him."

PSG, who last won the French league title in 1994, were Europe's second biggest spenders in the summer transfer window, with an outlay of £75.6m - just £3m less than Manchester City.

Leonardo was hired by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) to revamp the Ligue 1 club and in just two months the former AC Milan and Inter coach has used his extensive contacts to reshape the PSG squad.

Half of that £75.6m was used to buy Argentine star Javier Pastore, who credited Leonardo with persuading him to join the club.

PSG spent six times more than French champions Lille, who brought in Liverpool's Joe Cole on loan.

Asked if he would like to follow suit and sign any English players, Leonardo said: "Why not? I have an English player who I really like and I worked with him.

"It's someone that I really appreciate and admire so much - his values and everything he has done in football. It's David Beckham - a big brand of English football.

"I coached him in AC Milan and we created a good relationship. He is more than a football player, but when you see him every day he trains and plays like a kid.

"He respects the rules, listens to you and wants the best for the team. That's why for me he is a big example. I worked with him and that's why I talk about his name."

Beckham's contract with LA Galaxy runs out at the end of the Major League Soccer season, but he has already been linked with Premier League clubs Spurs and QPR and he is keen to be a member of the Great Britain squad at the London Olympics next summer.

As well as the recruitment of players, Leonardo spoke about the importance of creating a new brand for PSG to enable them to compete with Europe's top clubs in the Champions League.

"We have the Eiffel Tower in our club badge - we have to use that - it's not only French, but a worldwide brand," said Leonardo.

Former LA Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas has talked of the "incredible" impact Beckham's arrival in the United States in 2007 had on the MLS club in boosting shirt sales, sponsorship and appearance fees, as well as helping to make the Galaxy brand "international".

Established in 2005 by the son of the Emir and heir to the Qatari throne - Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani - QSI has a five-year plan to turn the sleeping Parisian giants into a major European powerhouse. The club finished fourth in last season's Ligue 1 and qualified for the Europa League.

During the transfer window, PSG also tried to sign Dimitar Berbatov, Adel Taarabt, Samir Nasri and Brazilians Ganso and Neymar.

Qatar is attempting to build on its controversial success in winning the right to host the 2022 World Cup.

The Qatar Foundation last year signed a £126m sponsorship deal with Barcelona - a first for the Spanish champions and Champions League winners - while another member of the Qatari ruling family bought Spanish club Malaga last year.

Aguero's Agent Claims The Man City Striker Would Like To Move To Napoli In The Future

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero would be open to a move to Napoli in the future, according to the player's agent.

The Argentina international has settled in seamlessly to Premier League life, scoring six goals in his first four appearances, and making his Champions League bow for the club against the Italian side on Wednesday, where his father-in-law Diego Maradona was once a fan-favourite.

And in a comment that will rankle with City fans, Aguero's agent Bruno Satin has stated that the 23-year-old would like to move to the Italian club at some point in his career.

"Aguero has a special place in his heart for Napoli," Satin told Radio Crc. "Wednesday night will be a special game because Napoli have come back in the Champions League.

"Aguero wants to play all the matches [for Manchester City] because he loves football and has fun on the pitch. Sergio is not afraid of anyone and Manchester City is one of his favourite teams in the Champions League.

"Roberto Mancini has pushed to have my player at all costs. He costs a lot but he is proving to have everything to make the difference. The fact that the coach rates him highly is an added value for him.

"We follow what happens in Naples closely because Napoli is an important club with an important history.

"There may be a possibility in the future to exchange players, but for now Aguero is good at City.

Manchester United Ace Unhappy At Not Being Allowed To Leave Club

Manchester United stopper Tomasz Kuszczak is unhappy and disappointed at the way he has been treated at Old Trafford after failing to secure a move away from the club this summer.

Kuszczak has made just 61 appearances during five years at the club and has fallen even further down the pecking order after the club signed David de Gea this summer, and Anders Lindegaard in January.

The polish goalkeeper now wants to leave Old Trafford in order to secure first team football, however he says the club have blocked his attempts to depart by overestimating his value.

"I am angry and disappointed with the way I am treated," said Kuszczak in The Sun.

"I had a few good offers. The problem was the club who wanted to sell me for £4m."

Kuszczak was linked with a return to previous club West Brom over the summer, as well as being linked with moves to several teams abroad, but the goalkeeper has said he would prefer to stay in England.

Barcelona Keen On Chelsea & Liverpool’s South American Stars

Barcelona are reportedly keen on Chelsea defender David Luiz as Pep Guardiola looks to freshen up his defence and according to some Spanish sources is a big admirer of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent weeks.

Whilst the Nou Camp side have slain all before them in recent seasons they do not possess a huge first team squad and there are areas that Guardiola is apparently keen to reinforce and apparently sees potential additions coming from the Premier League.

David Luiz has impressed many since his arrival from Benfica to Stamford Bridge in January and the talented defender may well be a player that the Barca boss sees as a long term replacement for Carles Puyol. The La Liga giants have had to use players out of position to take the veteran Spaniard’s spot in the centre of defence, with the likes of Javier Mascherano and Eric Abidal filling in for the 33 year old.

The fact that Luiz can ply his trade at full back as well as in the centre of defence may make the Brazilian a player that Barcelona would pursue but it may prove difficult to persuade Andre Villas-Boas or Roman Abramovich to accept an offer from the Catalan club.

Luis Suarez has professed his desire to one day play for Barcelona and many Spanish sources believe that the 24 year old Uruguayan may be seen as a long term successor to David Villa, who turns 30 in a few months. The Liverpool man has settled in well at Anfield but that has not stopped speculation about his long term future.

The former Ajax man arrived on Merseyside in January and has scored regularly and been the architect of many assists to boot, and is the focal point of Kenny Dalglish’s attacking plans and may therefore be very hard to wrestle from the Premier League club

Arsenal & Juventus In Transfer Tussle For Croatian Midfield Ace

Arsenal and Juventus are set to battle it out for the signature of highly-rated Croatian youngster Mateo Kovacic, according to talkSPORT.

The 17-year-old has been in impressive form for Dinamo Zagreb having made his breakthrough into the side last season.

He is now beginning to attract the interest of some of Europe's biggest clubs after scoring two goals in six appearances in the current campaign.

Italian reports claim, Arsenal have already held talks with Dinamo about a possible January move which see the teenager remain with his current club until the summer.

Now Juventus are understood to be ready to join the hunt for the Croatia Under-21 international who could be sold for a fee in the region of £6.5m.

Sevilla Priced Out Of Swoop For Spurs Striker

Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nido has revealed that the La Liga side was priced out of a move for Tottenham midfielder Giovani Dos Santos.

The Mexico international has already admitted that he thought his move to Sevilla was all but complete, only for Spurs to pull the plug on the deal on transfer deadline day.

And now Del Nido has claimed that their bid, which was £10m less than Udinese offered in January, was rejected by Spurs.

"The problem was that Udinese offered big and Sevilla could not pay an amount like that. We made an offer of around 5m euros plus add ons," he said.

"The player wanted to come, he and his father said so, but Sevilla could not make a crazy offer."

Del Nido also admitted that Sevilla's failure to qualify for the Europa League after a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Hannover also did not help their pursuit of Dos Santos.

He added: "If we were not beaten by Hannover I am not sure Giovani would have definitely come but we would have signed a player.

"What determined that we did not spend a significant amount on players was our elimination from the Europa League and the coach understands that."

Rhodolfo Waiting For Juventus Move

The agent of Juventus target Rhodolfo has underlined that present club Sao Paulo is in charge of his future.

The Brazilian is being linked with a January move to Turin, but Rafael Felix has admitted that no deal has been agreed between the two clubs.

“We have had a few meetings with Juventus and the player has expressed his desire to go and play in Italy,” the representative told calciomercato.it.

“However, Sao Paulo is also in the middle of this and they have yet to decide what to do. An agreement between the two clubs is vital.

“We’ll just have to continue working in an attempt to move on from where we got to over the summer.”

The agent confirmed whispers that Genoa is also keen on the 25-year-old, but he insisted Juventus were in pole position.

“Only Juventus have made a concrete move,” he added. “Their August offer for the player was rejected and if Sao Paulo doesn’t want to sell then a deal won’t be done.

“We have to wait and work together in order for an understanding to be reached by the time the January window opens.”

Rhodolfo is a centre-back.

Defender Linked With Spurs Switch

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is keen on landing Sporting Lisbon defender Joao Pereira but faces competition with AC Milan.

The 27-year-old has been strongly linked with a switch to White Hart Lane as Redknapp looks to add to his defence which has been hit with injuries.

Sporting do not have to sell the player, who has been getting great reviews, as his contract does not run out until 2014 but they are apparently prepared to sell if they get the right offer.

The fact that AC Milan are also keen could muddy the waters for Spurs but, after selling Alan Hutton to Aston Villa in the summer, Redknapp's need may be the greater.

Dortmund's Subotic Has Premier League Ambition

Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic admits he hopes to play in the Premier League at some point in his career.

The 22-year-old central defender, a key member of Dortmund's title-winning side last season, impressed again on Tuesday for his role alongside Mats Hummels in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the opening game of the Champions League group stages.

The Serbia international has previously been linked with both Chelsea and the Gunners and, while he is currently settled in Germany, he admits he would one day like to ply his trade in England.

However, with his contract not set to expire until the summer of 2014, Dortmund are under no pressure to sell.

"I am under contract at Borussia Dortmund and I am happy to be here," Subotic told Sky Deutschland. "Anyway, a dream of mine is still to play in the Premier League. One day in the future, I want to try myself out in that competition."

Kenny Dalglish Calls For More Referee Talks

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish believes there should be more communication between managers and match officials.

Dalglish met with referees' chief Mike Riley on Monday after voicing frustration at a number of decisions during his side's 1-0 loss at Stoke.

"We had an extremely informative and amicable discussion, which has given us all a better understanding of how things operate," said Dalglish.

"Maybe it's something that should happen more often."

Following his discussions with Professional Game Match Officials' general manager Riley at Liverpool's Melwood training ground, Dalglish added: "It's our job to best represent the club and protect its interests.

"But we have the utmost respect for the job referees do and have never wanted or asked for any form of preferential treatment - simply a level playing field for everyone.

"We will continue to conduct ourselves in a dignified and respectful manner at all times.

"From our perspective it was certainly worthwhile sitting down together."

During Saturday's game at Stoke, Dalglish took issue with the penalty awarded against his side for Jamie Carragher's challenge on Jonathan Walters - who then converted the resulting spot-kick - and two rejected penalty claims of their own for handball against home players.

And Dalglish said the Stoke game was far from an isolated example.

"The first four games have had contentious decisions in them and every one has gone against us," he said after the Stoke match.

"If I feel the club is suffering in any shape or form I will need to go the same route other people go and see if we can gain some benefit from that.

"I'll speak to the owners first and see what they say because the last thing I want to do is for my behaviour to impinge on the club's success in any way."

Champions League Recommendations (Matchday 1 - September 14, 2011)

Villareal (Spain) vs Bayern Munchen (Germany)

Ángel López remains sidelined for Villareal by the cruciate ligament injury he sustained in January, but coach Garrido said Jonathan De Guzman is available, also maintaining that the absence of the suspended Borja Valero was no disaster. "I wish he could play, but we have a quality squad which gives us plenty of options," he said.

Bayern's Philipp Lahm was replaced against Freiburg as a precaution having picked up a knee injury. Ivica Olić has not played since injuring his hip scoring in a 5-0 win against Hamburger SV on 20 August; Arjen Robben (pelvic problem) has been out since the same game. Breno has not featured since undergoing knee surgery on 11 May.

It is ten years since Bayern last won away to Spanish opposition – 1-0 at Real Madrid CF in the 2000/01 semi-finals. The Bavarian side subsequently beat Valencia CF in the Milan final but have since suffered one draw and five losses in Spain, where their overall record reads: W4 D4 L9. Jupp Heynckes, the visiting manager, has coached three teams in Spain but is still working out a way to better Villarreal, who beat his previous club, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, twice in last season's UEFA Europa League. It will be a tight affair and expect both team to score in this one with a lot of quality attackers for both side. Prediction 1-1 or 2-1 to Bayern Munchen.

Inter Milan (Italy) vs Trabzonspor (Turkey)

Inter Milan suffered defeat in their opening Serie A league match 3-4 to Palermo. Thiago Motta (thigh), Iván Córdoba, Emiliano Viviano, Maicon (knee) and Andrea Poli (unspecified) are all ruled out through injury but back-up goalkeeper Luca Castellazzi is available after shaking off a knock.

Trabzonspor are doing welll in their domestic league and are 16 league games unbeaten, since a 2-0 loss at Fenerbahçe SK on 30 January. They have also kept six clean sheets in their last nine league games. Onur Kıvrak, out of action since mid-March with a cruciate ligament injury, has resumed training. Barış Ataş has not featured since tearing a hamstring during a 2-1 friendly win against Orduspor on 2 September. Adrian Mierzejewski (one game), Senol Günes (two games) and Burak Yilmaz (three games) are all suspended.

The clubs crossed paths in the 1983/84 UEFA Cup first round, the Turkish team triumphing 1-0 at home thanks to Tuncay Soyak's late strike, but Inter went through after winning the return 2-0. Expect a careful approach by both teams in order to avoid defeat in their opening game. Inter to nick it by 1-0 or 2-0. Under 2.50 goals will be my choice.

Benfica (Portugal) vs Man Utd (England)

Manchester United FC begin their 16th consecutive UEFA Champions League group stage campaign away to familiar rivals in SL Benfica. Last season's runners-up beat Benfica to lift the first of their three European Cups in 1968 and will travel to Lisbon aiming to extend their 18-month unbeaten away record in the competition. Benfica will have other ideas as they bid to improve on recent UEFA Champions League disappointments, their last three campaigns having ended in the group stage. United have prevailed in six of the clubs' seven encounters, starting with a quarter-final triumph in the 1965/66 European Champion Clubs' Cup and continuing with their 4-1 final success at Wembley two years later. When Benfica beat United 2-1 in Lisbon in December 2005, they eliminated Sir Alex Ferguson's team at the group stage for the first time since 1994. The only survivor in Benfica's squad is Luisão while Rio Ferdinand, Park Ji-Sung, Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and unused substitute Darren Fletcher remain for United. That was the last time Benfica reached the tournament's knockout stages. United avenged that defeat when Louis Saha secured a 1-0 win in Lisbon in September 2006. Their subsequent 3-1 home victory at the end of the group stage consigned Benfica to an early exit.

United's away record against Portuguese opposition now reads: W5 D1 L4. Benfica's record at home to English teams is: W6 D2 L4. I predict a draw in this game. Small wager on Draw or Benfica +1/2 on the Asian Handicap.

Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia) vs Real Madrid (Spain)

Dinamo have suffered just one defeat in 13 matches this season, the 2-0 loss to Malmö FF in the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg. Igor Bišćan, out since April, is expected to miss the first half of the season following surgery on his left ankle. Defender Leandro Cufre has been rulled out with adductor problems after pulling up in training on Tuesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who struck a Liga record 40 goals in 2010/11, has scored seven goals in his last four appearances, 19 in 11 stretching back to last season. Hamit Altıntop (back) and Nuri Şahin (left knee ligament strain) are yet to make their Madrid debuts while Khedira has not featured since suffering an adductor injury in the Spanish Super Cup second leg on 17 August.

In both their previous two group stage campaigns Dinamo began with goalless draws, at home to AFC Ajax in 1998/99 and again the following season away to then holders Manchester United FC. In the first participation they were unbeaten at home, drawing two games and winning one, while in 1999/2000 they lost twice and won once. Dinamo Zagreb will have all men behind the ball for this one to try and stop Real's attacking talents from creating easy chances in this game. Take under 3 1/4 for this one as I can only see one team scoring in this game.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Qatari Owners Ponder Arsene Wenger & Jose Mourinho

Paris Saint-Germain’s Qatari owners are considering swooping for Arsene Wenger or Jose Mourinho as they bid to move the French side forward.

Current PSG coach Antoine Kombouare has already come under significant pressure this season, but is likely to retain his post until the end of the current campaign, by which time the capital city club could well have lined up a very big name to take over.

And according to Djamel Belmadi, an advisor to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the power behind the Qatar Investment Authority which owns PSG, Wenger and Mourinho are names in the frame.

"Whether it is Arsene Wenger or Jose Mourinho, they are both important figures in football", Belmadi, who is also coach of Qatari side Lekhwiya SC said to Canal+.

"The Sheikh wants what is best for his club", continued Belmadi.

"These are certainly names that have been in his thoughts."

Mourinho has already admitted coming close to taking over at the Parc des Prince before opting to join Inter in 2008. A switch to the French capital therefore has appealed in the past and, with vast riches at his disposal, could surely do so again.

Wenger meanwhile is enduring the most troubling time of his reign as Arsenal boss, making the possibility of a switch back to his native France more realistic than at any time since 1996.

Chelsea & Tottenham Face Transfer Competition From Juventus For England International

Juventus have joined Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the race to sign Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill, according to Italian website Tutto Mercato Web.

Chelsea boss Andre Villas Boas revealed earlier this summer that he wanted to sign a British centre back, while Spurs boss Harry Redknapp said publicly a bid had been rejected.

Fellow Premier League clubs Arsenal and Liverpool are not thought to be in the running for Cahill though, having already signed Per Mertesacker and Sebastian Coates respectively.

Competition to sign Cahill in the January transfer window will likely be fierce though, as the central defender will then only have six months left on his contract – unless of course Bolton boss Owen Coyle can convince him to extend his deal.

Tutto Mercato Web report that Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has personally identified Cahill as the man to marshall the club’s defence, having been impressed with his performances on international duty.

Cahill himself has admitted his desire to prove himself in Europe.

“As a professional footballer in general you want to strive and be the best you can and try to get to the highest level you can,” said the Bolton centre half during the international break.

“Playing European football would be fantastic but as it is at the minute I’m not doing that so all I can do is put my performances in for Bolton Wanderers.”