Juve Chase Muntari

Juventus are reported to be in the hunt to sign Portsmouth’s Sulley Muntari in a deal reportedly worth £12 million, claims the Sunday Mirror.

Having apparently given up on signing Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso, the Italian giants have reportedly identified the Ghanaian as the perfect replacement to bolster their midfield.

Alonso, who appears to be surplus to requirements at Anfield especially if the Gareth Barry deal goes through, did look set to join Juventus however the deal appears to have stalled forcing the Serie A club to look elsewhere.

Muntari is well known in Italy having spent four years at Udinese before joining Portsmouth in 2007. He has gone to become a driving force in the club’s midfield, helping them to FA Cup glory last season.

His impressive performances do not appear to have gone unnoticed in Turin and the Italian club are now reportedly preparing a bid for the player.

Harry Redknapp recruited Muntari for £5 million just over a year ago and should Juve offer £12 million it appears likely the south coast club will cash in on their African midfielder.

It promises to be a busy summer down at Fratton Park in the transfer market as they look to build on their success of last season when the won the FA Cup and finished eighth in the Premier League.

Manager Redknapper has been linked with moves for a number of players and has already signed Liverpool’s Peter Crouch for £11 million earlier this week.