Juve have "always appreciated" midfielder says Romano amidst Phillips and Partey links

January move likely...

The January transfer window, traditionally quieter than its summer counterpart, could well be busier than ever this time around.

Given that there is a major tournament - Euro 2024 - just a few days afterwards, players that are perhaps now considered as ‘fringe’ players or aren’t getting as much game time as they would like, will be looking to move on.

Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips is a prime example.

Still being picked for England by Gareth Southgate at this stage, if he doesn’t improve upon his 236 minutes for his club across the campaign by the end of 2023/24, then the Three Lions boss doesn’t have a choice to make; Phillips can’t take the place of someone playing more regularly.

Thomas Partey is getting some action for Arsenal, however, he can no longer be considered a first choice when Declan Rice is fit and available.

His selection is also complicated by the fact that it’s believed he wants to represent Ghana at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January.

For both players, rumoured interest from Italian giants, Juventus, might’ve been the shaft of light they’ve been waiting for, however, Fabrizio Romano, writing in his Daily Briefing today, has suggested that such rumours are wildly inaccurate.

‘They (Juve) always appreciated Domenico Berardi from Sassuolo. He was already a target in August but the negotiation was difficult. Now Jadon Sancho is in the list but Berardi remains a player they really like and appreciate,’ he wrote.

‘I don't know the exact name of the midfielder that they’re after yet, it’s too early. Kalvin Phillips, Thomas Partey and other names being spoken about are too defensive.

‘Juve actually want an offensive midfielder and it has to be a cheap deal, they're not spending crazy money. I'd go for Rodrigo de Paul but Atlético Madrid consider him a key player, so not easy at all and also... he won’t come cheap.’

Where do you think Kalvin Phillips and Thomas Partey will end up? Let us know in the comments.