Report Crystal Palace could move for Juventus full-back in January

Reports in Italy claim that Juventus wing-back Joao Mario could potentially be allowed to leave the club during the January transfer window and that Premier League outfit Crystal Palace are among the interested parties. 

The Portuguese, who joined the Bianconeri from Porto at a cost of just over €12m last January, has struggled for opportunities under both Igor Tudor and Luciano Spalletti this term. 

He started in two of Juve’s first five Serie A matches of the season, but first-team chances have been even harder to come by since Spalletti took charge at the end of October. Joao Mario has been named as an unused substitute for Juve’s last five Serie A matches, and their last four in the Champions League. 

All told, Joao Mario has played for just 11 minutes since Spalletti took over. 

Spalletti is not short on options at wing-back either, with Weston McKennie, Andrea Cambiaso and Pierre Kalulu all capable of covering on the right flank. He also has Juan Cabal and Filip Kostic on the left. 

For that reason, Juventus could be talked into letting the former Sporting. According to reports from Tuttosport and Calciomercato.com, the player’s agents will speak with the club in the coming days to take stock of the situation. 

Tuesday’s report also claims that Crystal Palace are interested in the 25-year-old. Juventus would reportedly be willing to let Joao Mario go on a permanent basis in January as long as they recoup the fee that they invested last year.

There have been no offers from South London yet, but there has been an initial enquiry according to Tuesday’s report.