Matic pushing for Chelsea exit, Conte pushing back, Juventus watch with interest - report

Paul Pogba hasn't completed his switch to Manchester United from Juventus yet, but it certainly hasn't stopped the Old Lady from going on a shopping spree. After spending near-record amounts on Gonzalo Higuain, Juve now want to add a bit of midfield power, and are looking at Chelsea's Nemanja Matic or Zenit St. Petersburg's Axel Witsel, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

The report claims that Juve are waiting on Matic to sit down with Chelsea's top officials in the next few days, as he apparently wants to move out of the club (despite his recent happy quotes about his current situation). Also standing in the way is head coach Antonio Conte, who has recently praised Matic's abilities and wants to keep the big Serbian at the Bridge. Nevertheless, Matic remains a priority transfer target for the Italian champions.

In the meantime, former Chelsea transfer target Axel Witsel has been the subject of a €15 million bid from Juventus, but that didn't reach the heights of an official approach as it was only made to an "intermediary", whatever that means. Everton are also rumoured to have an interest in Witsel and have made a €30 million attempt - but the Belgian midfielder supposedly prefers the Italian club over the Merseysiders.

Given Conte's wish to retain Matic's services at Chelsea, Juventus will have to spend a good chunk of their transfer budget to acquire the midfielder - or look elsewhere.  (Ed. note: Or give us Pogba.)