Juventus eyeing Carlos Mane; Barca make a check on Gundogan

Juventus eyeing Carlos Mane

Italian giants Juventus are reportedly keeping close tabs on Sporting Lisbon forward Carlos Mane, A Bola has revealed.

The Bianconeri boss Antonio Conte has been impressed by the talented footballer and he hopes to lure him to Turin at the earliest opportunity.

Conte is believed to be pondering a switch to 4-3-3 formation and he believes Mane would be a very good option for a place on the wing.

The problem is Juventus are likely to face stiff competition from other top European sides, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea thought to be keen.

Carlos Mane, 20, is one of the hottest prospects to have come out of Sporting’s youth academy in recent years and he has been showing a great deal of potential of late.

Having nailed down a regular starting berth, the youngster has already bagged 4 goals this season, but he is tied to the club until June 2018 and has a €45 million release clause inserted in his deal.

Barca make a check on Gundogan

Catalan daily newspaper El Mundo Deportivo understands that Barcelona are seriously thinking about recruiting Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

With the player’s current deal due to expire at the end of the season, the Catalans hope to lure him to Camp Nou in the summer.

The only thing Barcelona is concerned about is the player’s mysterious back injury that has seen him miss the big chunk of the current season.

It is for that reason that they have sent doctor Ricard Pruna to conduct an extensive medical examination on Gundogan.

Before he picked up said back injury, the Turkish midfielder was one of Europe’s most sought-after players, having had impressed in two years at Signal-Iduna Park.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and few other top clubs are believed to be keen on his services, but they are all waiting to see if the player will be returning into action any time soon.

Hoffenheim rule out Firmino sale

Hoffenheim general manager Alex Rosen has made it clear that star player Roberto Firmino will not be leaving the club at the end of the current campaign.

The Brazilian, who had just over a year left on his contract, surprised everyone by extending his deal for another two years despite interest from Europe’s top clubs.

And while many believe that was only done in order to try and increase the asking price, general manager Alex Rosen is adamant Firmino will not be sold any time soon.

“The question does not arise for us or for the player. Roberto has renewed his contract, and he will not be leaving in the summer,” Rosen explained to Bild.

The 22-year-old has been one of star performers in this year’s Bundesliga, having managed 13 goals and 11 assists so far.

Hoffenheim face holders Bayern Munich away tomorrow afternoon, with Firmino 5/1 to score anytime.

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