Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa's potential January move to Juventus has been cast into doubt after reports emerged that the Italian club is closing in on an alternative target. The 28-year-old has struggled for regular game time since joining Liverpool last summer, making most of his 16 Premier League appearances from the bench.
Juventus have been heavily linked with Chiesa throughout the transfer window, reportedly preferring a loan deal. However, Liverpool are only willing to sanction a permanent exit for a fee between €15 and €20 million (£13-£17.4m), and would also seek a replacement before allowing him to leave.
According to Italian outlet TuttoSport, via Football Italia, Juventus have now reached an agreement with Fenerbahce for Moroccan attacker Youssef En-Nesyri. The deal is reportedly a loan with an option to buy, including a loan fee of €5 million (£4.4m). En-Nesyri has just returned from the Africa Cup of Nations and could complete the move quickly.
Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti had earlier downplayed the Chiesa rumours, stating he had no knowledge of any concrete interest. If the En-Nesyri deal goes through, it would cast further doubt on whether Juventus will pursue Chiesa before the window closes.
Should Chiesa remain at Liverpool without a replacement arriving, it could provide an opportunity for 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha to step up. The youngster made an instant impact earlier this season, scoring a stoppage-time winner against Newcastle.
