Manchester United and Chelsea set to be frustrated in January pursuit of Juventus' Alex Sandro
Alex Sandro of Juventus. Photo: VI-Images via Getty Images
Juventus are determined to keep Alex Sandro this January, frustrating the plans of both Manchester United and Chelsea.
The two Premier League clubs want the player, and he wants to leave Turin, but the Serie A champions are unwilling to allow such a drastic restructuring to their defensive line-up.
Both want a wide player who can play defensively and Chelsea in particular have been interested in the Brazilian since the summer.
Juventus might have been willing to sell then, but were blindsided by the exits of Dani Alves to Paris Saint-Germain and Leo Bonucci to AC Milan, ensuring they did not want more upheaval to their backline.
They might have been still willing to sell Sandro now had they been able to recall Leonardo Spinazzola from his loan at Atalanta, but the latter dug in and refused to end the deal. That has meant Juventus themselves digging in on Sandro.
That could end up suiting United more than Chelsea. While Antonio Conte has a more urgent need for a wide player, and thereby could look elsewhere, United would be more willing to wait until the summer.
