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Juventus to hijack Man Utd pursuit of Zenit midfielder Axel Witsel with Paul Pogba cash
JUVENTUS could spoil Manchester United's pursuit of Zenit midfielder Axel Witsel after a member of the Turin club was spotted watching him play.
Louis van Gaal hails Manchester United s 2-1 win over Liverpool
Sporting director Fabio Paratici watched £40million-rated Witsel star in their 1-0 Europa League defeat at Torino last week, which was enough to see the Russian side through to the quarter-finals.
Witsel was one of just four starting Zenit players not to get booked in that game and reportedly impressed the on-looking Paratici.
Indeed, according to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, Juve will make a bid for the Belgian and many see him as a replacement for Paul Pogba, who is expected to leave in the summer for around £80m.
Axel Witsel is reportedly seeking a move to Italy or England this summer
Unfortunately for United, they may not be able to compete with Juve for Witsel's services.
The 26-year-old has already hinted he would prefer a Serie A switch over the Premier League, although he has also suggested he could end up in England, stating last month: "I am still young, only 26. We’ll see in the future. I have always liked Manchester United from when I was young."
It appears as though Juve will use the money earned from a summer Pogba sale to rejuvenate the team in preparation for an assault on the Champions League.
However, club legend Andrea Pirlo hopes his team-mate will stay, claiming last month: “Paul Pogba could be the future of Juventus. He has it all: physique, technique and an eye for the goal. He is perfect. He can mark an era.”
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