The Old Lady will open talks with the agent of Benfica youngster Joao Felix this week, according to reports.
The 19-year-old is wanted by several of Europe’s leading clubs, with reports suggesting that Manchester United and Manchester City are keen on the youngster who last week became the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the Europa League.
Benfica wonder kid Joao Felix celebrates his latest goal with his brother Hugo, who is a ballboy at the cub. pic.twitter.com/diGybDgCKP
— Mootaz Chehade (@MHChehade) April 15, 2019
However, it was reported that the Italian champions’ sporting director Fabio Paratici will sit down with Felix’s agent Jorge Mendes on Tuesday.
Felix is said to be taken by the idea of playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in Turin, while Mendes was instrumental in arranging Ronaldo’s move from Real Madrid to Juve last summer, as well as the Bianconeri’s signing of Joao Cancelo from Valencia.
An initial offer from the Old Lady of €75 million (£64m) is understood to have been knocked back, but Juventus are willing to let Paulo Dybala leave to free up space in their squad for Felix.
Joao Felix Vs Eintracht Frankfurt (Home) | 04/11/2019
— The Mighty Reds (@futbol_delight) April 12, 2019
YouTube: https://t.co/rqK5ctlYbu
An exceptional performance which included a hat trick and an assist for the 19 year old. True talent that Liverpool should be looking to sign.
RTs and likes appreciated pic.twitter.com/N21cXH9NFA
The attacking midfielder, who has scored 16 goals in 37 games for Benfica this season, recently signed a new contract in Lisbon with a release clause of €120 million (£104m).
Jorge Mendes set to meet with Paratici today regarding Joao Felix who is open to joining Juventus. Juve’s interest in him Is serious. [Fabrizio Romano] pic.twitter.com/8SRuZMycCV
— Juvefc.com (@juvefcdotcom) April 16, 2019
The Portuguese club are said to have offered him a new deal including an increased €200 million (£173m) release clause, but Mendes has turned down the suggestion with Juve, both Manchester clubs and Real Madrid showing interest.
(We’re literally trying our hardest not to turn into a @joaofelix70 fan account.) pic.twitter.com/NMcjUUmo9N
— SL Benfica (@slbenfica_en) April 11, 2019