Juventus eye Appiah and Zabaleta

Juventus are ready to pounce for ex-Fenerbahce midfielder Stephen Appiah and Espanyol’s Pablo Zabaleta.

The Bianconeri have been searching for a versatile player who can switch between defence and midfield; both the Argentine and Ghanaian fit into that category.

Appiah has recently terminated his contract with Turkish side Fenerbahce and this has raised eyebrows in Turin as Juve directors consider a swoop for their former player.

Genoa and Siena are also after the midfielder, but the Old Lady seems favourite to land him as he played two seasons with the Bianconeri between 2003 and 2005.

Ranieri’s side are on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League group stages and they would need a strong and competitive midfield in order to mount a serious challenge on the trophy they won in 1996.

Zabaleta is also a target as his versatility would suit the Tinkerman’s plans. The Espanyol man can play at right-back or in midfield and he would offer ample cover for the Bianconeri.

One more player is likely to arrive in Turin before the transfer window closes on August 31 as the club continues to prepare for the new season.