Juventus are set to announce the appointment of Maurizio Sarri as their new manager, and his first order of business will be signing Tottenham defender Kieran Trippier, according to the Express.
It is understood that Sarri, who has endured a torrid year at Chelsea despite guiding them to third in the Premier League and lifting the Europa League, is on the cusp of a move back to Italy.
And should he end up in Turin, it is reported that Juve will step up their efforts to land Trippier for around £35 million, despite competition from Napoli and Valencia.
Good move for Tottenham?
Trippier has been a fine player for Spurs down the years. During his time in north London, he has gone from relative unknown to World Cup hero, but this season just hasn’t been good enough. For large spells, he has looked nervy and shaky, and his standards have fallen far beneath their usual level. Moving him on would probably be the best thing for both parties at this stage, and if they can land £35 million for a player who has been as temperamental as the full-back has been this year, it will be considered a really decent piece of business.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
There seem to be a couple of variables in this one. Firstly, will Sarri get the Juve job? They need a new boss and he is evidently a poor fit for Chelsea, so that could well be a goer. Secondly, will Juve move for Trippier? There’s no reason they wouldn’t, especially given the level of club that is rumoured to be interested in him from elsewhere on the continent. Nothing is nailed on at this stage, but certainly, don’t rule anything out.
This is Football rating: 7/10