Juventus respond to Pogba 'fantasy' and Morata return rumours

Juventus CEO Giuseppe Marotta has responded to the latest rumours in Turin, with the Serie A champions being linked with Paul Pogba, Alvaro Morata, Emre Can and Matteo Darmian.

The Italian giants are also being forced to fend off speculation regarding possible outgoings, with Mario Mandzukic, Douglas Costa and Alex Sandro among those to have sparked exit talk.

Gossip is expected ahead of the summer transfer window, with Juve aware that there is always going to be interest in possible comings and goings.

Marotta has, however, suggested that little movement is being planned at present.

He told reporters at the launch of a new book by La Stampa journalist Antonio Barilla: “Now we are in the most important phase of the transfer market, so as always, every day, they link Juventus with many players.”

Addressing links to Liverpool midfielder Can, who is set to become a free agent this summer, and Manchester United defender Darmian, he added: “Emre Can's move should be done in the next 10 days. Darmian is a possibility in the market.”

While two raids on the Premier League could be completed there, Marotta has moved to distance Juve from emotional returns to Turin for former favourites on the books at Manchester United and Chelsea.

He said: “Pogba? Fantasy football. 

“Morata? We are pleased that those who have left keep a great memory of Juventus and show they want to savour the Juventus climate. However, it's just simply a rumour and I want to deny it because we have great players in the attack.”

It has been rumoured that Morata, who has been pictured speaking with Juve officials during a trip to Milan, could be brought back to the club to cover a summer departure for Mandzukic.

Marotta, though, insists that is not part of his plans, saying: “Will Mandzukic remain? When a player asks to leave we always try to satisfy him. At this moment we did not receive any signal. Mandzukic will be a Juventus player again next year.”

He then added on a Brazil international winger: “Douglas Costa? He will remain at Juventus, he will be retained by the club.”

And on Costa’s countryman Sandro, who has been heavily linked with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United since the summer of 2017, Marotta said: “We will meet next week with his representative and I think there's a desire to extend the contract.”