Juventus want to sign a new midfielder to replace Paul Pogba and are targeting Everton ace Andre Gomes, according to Calciomercato.
Writing on their official website (12 October), the Italian news outlet report that the European giants are looking at the market for replacements for Pogba who has tested positive for a banned substance and could face a ban of up to four years.
And Gomes, who is out of contract at Goodison Park in the summer, has emerged as a target for the January transfer window in a potential low-cost deal.
“The issue that affected Paul Pogba, as well as the latest events related to Nicolò Fagioli, could open a hole in the middle of the pitch that Juventus would fill in the winter transfer window,” they wrote.
“The possible names are different. In recent days there has been insistence on Hojbjerg,Tottenham’s half-forward, but also keep an eye out for another profile, an old Juventus obsession in recent seasons. We are talking about Andre Gomes, a midfielder owned by Everton whose contract expires at the end of the season.
“His valuation, in the transfer market, is around €15 million (£12.9m), but Juventus, particularly in January, could try to definitely get him at a ow cost by focusing on the very short duration of Andre Gomes’ contract with Everton.
“Much will also depend on the requests of the Toffees and those of the player regarding his salary.”
Gomes stayed at Everton in the summer against most people’s expectations, with talk of a move to Turkey running past the English deadline making it seem almost certain he would go.
However after Alex Iwobi and Demarai Gray were allowed to leave against Sean Dyche’s better judgement, he instead opted to keep the former Portugal international as an option for his squad.
But Gomes is yet to make an appearance for the team this season, with Dyche citing injury issues and with his contract set to expire it seems highly unlikely that he’ll be getting a renewal with his £120,000 per week wages a big issue.
Juventus are likely to try and take advantage of that in January by snapping him up for a low fee, which would still be better than losing him for nothing in the summer and having to pay his wages for the rest of the season.
The club would also be able to bring in a replacement during that period which would make it work for everyone, so it’s definitely one to keep an eye on.
