Manchester United have made a £20 million offer for Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio, according to the Express and reports in Italy. Italian sources claim United have approached the Turin club about the availability of Marchisio, with David Moyes's side struggling in midfield at present. Moyes is looking to bring in a new midfielder in January as he looks to end his side's dramatic slump in form, having seen the champions lose three successive games for the first time in a decade. Marchisio is reportedly surplus to requirements at Juventus with Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal ahead of the 27-year-old in the pecking order. However, despite concerns that his lack of playing time could hinder his World Cup aspirations, Marchisio has gone on record recently to state he wishes to stay at Juve. Last month, he told JTV, the Italian club's official TV station:
"I want to continue winning with this jersey, I have no intention to change. "But every year, especially in summer, there have been rumours that involved me. "In addition to this one, I have another two years on my deal with Juventus. "I hope to play as long as possible with this jersey, it's not my intention to change."
The early indications are United's offer for the star has been knocked back, and though the player himself has admitted he wants to stay, it remains to be seen if his club feel the same way. Juventus were knocked out of the Champions League in the group stages earlier this season and may have to sell in order to offset the resulting financial shortfall.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
