Juventus are close to signing Parma midfield star Luca Cigarini, according to Controcampo.
The 21-year-old is a deep-lying playmaker, who orchestrates the play from in front of the defence, and his style and ability has led to him being labelled by some as the ‘new Andrea Pirlo’.
Cigarini is admired by a whole host of top clubs, but Juventus and Inter had been seen as the two favourites for his signature.
However Controcampo claims that Juventus are set to win the race as Coach Claudio Ranieri has already held talks with the youngster and an agreement is close to being reached.
Parma value Cigarini at £8m, and although Juve are only willing to pay £5m, an agreement shouldn’t be too hard to find.
If Juventus complete the classy schemerÂ’s signature in January, it is possible he will be loaned back to Parma for the remainder of the season.
Cigarini is a current member of the Italy Under-21 set-up and has represented his country at every youth level from Under-18 upwards.
He was part of the same Parma academy which has also produced fellow promising stars Daniele Dessena and Daniele Paponi.