Everton and Nottingham Forest lead the chase to land the Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz, who is reportedly not keen on joining top-class manager Jose Mourninho at Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
Luiz was unveiled as Juve’s marquee signing by the then manager Thiago Motta last summer, but his season turned into a disaster with some poor performances.
The former Aston Villa ace has struggled in Turin, hampered by injury setbacks and playing under two different managers. He has looked nothing like his much-hyped label of being one of Europe’s most accomplished midfielders.
Following his recent club fine, having deliberately missed the first three days of pre-season training, Luiz is not included in Juve’s future plans and was not one of the 24 players who tackled AC Reggiana in their friendly.
Brazilian's ever-evolving price tag
Juventus have slapped a €40 million (US$46.3m) asking price on the 27-year-old, which has recently been adjusted, but are willing to entertain a loan with a conditional obligation to buy.
Luiz’s preferred destination is Everton, but their latest bid of €35m (US$40.6m) including bonuses falls short of Juve’s valuation.
The Merseysiders are eager to strengthen their midfield with Idrissa Gana Gueye aged 35 as well as letting both Abdoulaye Doucoure and Orel Mangala leave at the end of their contracts in June.
Forest manager requests Luiz
Forest, who came perilously close to a double deal involving Samuel Mbangula and Timothy Weah, are in the hunt for Luiz at the request of head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
The club’s squad is jam-packed in midfield, which could deter Luiz from signing for last year’s Premier League surprise package. The other factor to prevent Luiz joining Forest is that they prefer a loan with an option to buy over a straight purchase.
Also outcast Luiz has indicated his willingness to join either Premier League club, but his representatives are not keen on a switch to the Turkish Super Lig.
Mourinho wanted a part swap deal for Fenerbahce midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, but this potential transfer has collapsed.