Elia hesitates over Juve move

Juventus have agreed terms with Hamburg over the transfer of Netherlands international Eljero Elia.

The Serie A side are reportedly desperate to sign a left winger before the close-season transfer window shuts on Wednesday and they have identified Elia as their primary target.

Juve have agreed to pay nine million euros plus an undisclosed figure in variables but are yet to agree personal terms with Elia.

The 24-year-old is keen to leave Hamburg, but would prefer a move to the Premier League rather than Serie A.

“I’ve been told that there is a lot of racism in Italian stadiums and most teams play very defensive. These kinds of things play a role in my decision,” Elia told AD/Sportwereld.

“My style of play would be perfect for England. You often see defenders struggle against attackers with a good individual action. That’s why I prefer a move to the Premier League.”

However, despite Elia’s preference for England, a transfer to Juventus appears to be a more realistic option.

The former Twente ace has been linked with clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool, but neither has tabled an offer.

The winger, who is on international duty with Netherlands, has given his representatives authorisation to sign a contract on his behalf and agent Klaus Vink is ready to open talks with Juventus.

“We will try and reach an agreement, but won’t accept just any offer,” Vink said.