Claudio Marchisio has been linked with a move to Manchester United, as David Moyes looks to add more options to his midfield this month.
The Scot has endured a torrid time since succeeding compatriot Sir Alex Ferguson in the Old Trafford dugout, with the 2-1 League Cup defeat at Sunderland being the Reds third successive loss. Although they have the chance to avenge this reverse in the second leg later this month, their problems extend way beyond this competition.
In the Premier League, the champions have already lost six times, four of which have come at home, which leaves them 11 points behind leaders Arsenal and in serious danger of missing out on the top four. Their UEFA Champions League campaign has been brighter, and they face Olympiakos in the last 16, but they crashed out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle when Swansea City scored a last minute winner in Manchester.
Moyes has already indicated that he is unlikely to add to his squad during the January transfer window, if the opportunity to sign a player who will improve his options presents himself, the money will be made available. And according to The Express, the former Everton boss has set his sights on a deal for Italy international Marchisio.
A key player in the recent success of Juventus, who are heading for a third successive Serie A title, the 27-year-old has seen his place come under threat since the emergence of former United youngster Paul Pogba. Despite this, Marchisio, who was born in Turin and has developed through the youth ranks, has often declared an intention to stay.
“I want to continue winning with this jersey,” he told the official club television station just last month. “I have no intention to change. But every year, there have been rumours involving me. In addition to this one, I have another two years left on my deal with Juventus. I hope to play as long as possible with this jersey; it is not my intention to change.”
From these quotes, it would appear Moyes has a challenge on his hands to convince Marchisio to leave his hometown club. His only chance could be in the fact that Juve crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage, which could cost them a reported £17million, around the same figure United would be willing to pay for the player.
