Hancko, who helped Feyenoord clinch the 2022/23 Dutch Eredivisie and last season’s Dutch Cup, is being lined up with a summer move.
There appears to be a three-club race between Juventus, Liverpool and Manchester United to secure the signature of the free-scoring 27-year-old.
The Bianconeri were keen on signing Hancko during the winter transfer window for €30 million (US$31.4m), but his club were reluctant to allow him to leave mid-season.
Snubbed Juventus decided to bring in Lloyd Kelly from Newcastle United, after he turned down the chance to sign for Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Hancko, who scored seven goals in 48 outings last term, is on Juve’s summer wishlist. He played under Liverpool boss Arne Slot at Feyenoord, which earned plaudits. Yet a reunion seems unlikely unless there’s a guarantee that he would be considered a first-choice starter.
Manchester United are in urgent need of a summer clear out and adding new players that would fit in with the three defender tactics of manager Ruben Amorim. Hancko’s dribbling skills and ability to score goals would fit perfectly into Amorim’s style of play.
Juventus appear to be in pole position to sign the left-footed central defender, who was a flop during his stint at Fiorentina. Hancko would command an annual salary of around €2.5m (US$2.6m).
No doubt the Turin titans will send scouts to the San Siro on 11 March, when Hancko’s Feyenoord tackle hosts Inter Milan in the Champions League last 16 second leg. The first leg will take place on 5 March in the Netherlands.
There is a back-up plan to bolster the Juventus defence for this summer’s Project Motta if they miss out on Hancko. The Bianconeri are tracking Empoli’s Saba Goglichidze and Spezia star Nicolo Bertola, who will each be available for a bargain price under €10m (US$10.5m) during the next transfer window.