Juventus closer to signing Verratti

Pescara have confirmed they are on the verge of agreeing to a deal with Juventus that would see Marco Verratti move to Turin next summer.

The 19-year-old playmaker has been repeatedly linked with the Bianconeri in recent months and, despite reports of a bumper offer from Napoli, the Serie A champions are now finally set to sign ‘the new Andrea Pirlo’.

Pescara president Daniele Sebastiani said the deal was not finalised yet but that the club were in ‘advanced’ talks with Juventus about the rising star.

“We spoke today (Tuesday) with (director general Giuseppe) Marotta and (sporting director Fabio) Paratici about the technical elements of the deal,” he told Sky Sport 24.

“Tomorrow (Wednesday) we will meet again with Juventus. We will see what possibilities there are. He will remain with us for next season, in any case. Negotiations are advanced, but not complete.”

Verratti, who played a key role in the Pescara’s promotion-winning campaign, is considered one of Italy’s most exciting young talents and was included in Cesare Prandelli’s provisional panel for Euro 2012.