Juventus and Everton vying for Axel Witsel

Italian champions Juventus and Premier League outfit Everton are locked in the battle for Zenit midfielder Axel Witsel, Tuttosport can reveal.

The Belgian footballer is eager to leave the Russian giants, who are holding out for €30 million despite the fact that he has just another year left on his contract.

Everton are the only side ready to match Zenit’s asking price at the moment, while Juventus are offering €20 million plus bonuses.

The problem is that Witsel is not too keen on moving to the Merseyside and he would rather play Champions League football with the Bianconeri.

Having already splashed out on Gonzalo Higuain, Juventus have no intention of increasing their bid for the Belgium hotshot, so it remains to be seen whether Zenit will lower their demands.

Axel Witsel, 27, was previously linked with AS Roma and AC Milan as well, but it would appear as though Juventus and Everton are the only sides left in the race.