Linked with Crystal Palace, Everton and West Ham over the past two days, Stefano Sturaro’s stock in England appears to be pretty high.
However, three clubs wasn’t enough for the Italian media, and Gazzetta dello Sport have added two more to the list on Thursday, claiming both Newcastle United and Stoke City are after the 24-year-old.
The Juventus midfielder, who made 29 appearances in all competitions last season, picking up four assists, is also a target for Genoa, yet there’s a big problem for all the interested clubs: the Serie A champions don’t want to sell.
The Italian newspaper do specify ‘for now’ when talking about the Turin side’s reluctance to see their rotation option leave the club, so there’s still hope, probably related to whether or not the Champions League finalists can bring another midfielder in before the end of the window.
Looking at Stoke’s and Newcastle’s squads, Mark Hughes is probably in a greater need of a new central midfielder than Rafa Benitez, who already has six midfielders (including Mohamed Diamé) as in his squad.
Stoke, on the other hand, would only have three if they do manage to get rid of Giannelli Imbula before the end of the window, leaving them with just Joe Allen, new arrival Darren Fletcher and Charlie Adam.
Considering Juventus’ apparent reluctance to sell and the fact Sturaro has four years left on his contract, it might take a lot to convince them to sell.
After all, look at how much Southampton had to pay for Mario Lemina.
