JUVENTUS LINE UP BID FOR SISSOKO

Juventus are ready to launch a £12million move for Liverpool midfielder Momo Sissoko. The Malian international has been linked with several top European clubs during the past few months, speculation that has intensified since Sissoko sat out the Champions League final defeat to AC Milan last week.

Now Italian giants Juventus, who are looking to strengthen after securing promotion to Serie A following demotion for their part in the Italian match-fixing scandal, are preparing to table a formal offer. Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, who bought the player from Valencia from under the noses of neighbours Everton for £5.6m in July 2005, does not want to sell the 22-year-old.

But Sissoko has seen his first-team opportunities limited since the arrival of Javier Mascherano on loan from West Ham United in January, and is also behind Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso in the midfield pecking order. Sissoko is already seeking talks with Benitez over his long-term future at the club after growing frustrated at his recent lack of games. And a huge offer for his services could test Liverpool’s resolve to keep the player.

For now, Sissoko’s agent Jose Segui has claimed his client will remain at Anfield. “There’s not much chance of him leaving Liverpool. Momo is happy and has a contract with them until 2010. I don't believe Liverpool want to lose him. But, obviously, clubs are going to talk to each other, but for the moment nothing is happening,” he said.

Italian outfit Fiorentina and Spanish champions Barcelona are also thought to be tracking Sissoko, who has made 71 appearances for Liverpool.