Juventus are thought to be willing to swap midfield playmaker Diego for Bayern’s Franck Ribery, according to reports from El Mundo Deportivo.

Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been linked with Ribery, as many believe Real Madrid sent Arjen Robben to Bayern with the intent of taking Ribery in exchange during the next available transfer window.

However, Juventus have jumped into the bidding and could well entice Bayern into the deal by exchanging Diego, who has yet to settle into Italian football. Juventus seem unwilling to give him time, and seem keen on replacing him this summer.

Juventus have long been admirers of the 26 year old French international, dating back to when Claudio Ranieri was at the helm. The Tinkerman apparently would have preferred Ribery over the Brazilian.

Bayern are already preparing for life after Ribery, after he has repeatedly made clear that he wants to leave the German outfit. Bayern’s interest in Diego is apparent, and it would appear that he the ideal replacement when Ribery inevitably leaves.

Juventus shows interested in former Liverpool target Kevin Kuranyi

Widespread reports in Italy have confirmed that Juventus are close to signing Schalke striker Kevin Kuranyi.

The 28-year-old striker is out of contract at the end of the season and Corriere dell Serra claim that Liverpool came close to signing Kuranyi during the January transfer window.

Fellow Italian newspaper Tuttosport adds that Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is a huge admirer of Kuranyi and his arrival in Turin could be an indicator that the Spaniard will take over in the summer.

Kuranyi has scored 12 goals in 23 appearances for Schalke in 2009/2010, he has also chipped in with five assists.

The arrival of Kuranyi at Juventus does not signal the end of Juventus’ chase for Brazil forward Adriano , according to reports.

source: IMScouting.com

Bayern Munich line up shock swoop for Chelsea star

Chelsea defender Alex is a target for Bayern Munich.

Alex is unhappy after losing his first team place and that has alerted the German giants who are preparing a summer move.

Brazilian Alex signed a four-year contract in October and will start against Cardiff City in today’s FA Cup fifth round tie because troubled Chelsea captain John Terry has flown to Dubai to save his marriage.

But Alex, 27, has found himself behind Terry and veteran defender Ricardo Carvalho who has is also attracting interest from Atletico Madrid.

read more: Mirror Football

France winger Franck Ribery is expected to leave Germany at end of season

Franck Ribéry has added weight to the belief that he will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season by claiming the German club are not good enough to compete with Europe’s biggest teams.

“Bayern is still a big club. It’s one of the biggest in the world but I find that our team is not as strong as other teams, like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea,” said the France winger, who has been heavily linked with a move to either England or Spain. “Maybe we will have trouble competing against these teams.

“I want to win trophies and to enjoy myself. I’m not 20 any more. I am closer to the end [of my career] than the beginning.”

Speaking to RTL radio, the 26-year-old also admitted that he could be tempted to join up with France team-mate Thierry Henry at Barcelona.

“I get on really well with him and I know he would also like to see me there,” Ribéry said. “I know a lot of people would like to see me stay [at Bayern]. Whether I stay or go it won’t be an easy decision.”

source: The Guardian