Juve and Roma vying for Balanta

Serie A rivals Juventus and Roma are locked in the battle for River Plate starlet Eder Balanta, according to Tuttosport.

Lazio and Inter were also showing interest in the highly rated defender, but the latest reports suggest the two clubs are no longer keen.

Juventus, on the other hand, are hot on the trail of Balanta as they need cover for Andrea Barzagli, who is set to miss next three months of action, but they are not prepared to match an €8 million asking price at the moment.

Meanwhile, Roma are also in the mix despite signing Davide Astori from Cagliari, and it appears the two clubs could enter a real bidding war in the coming weeks.

Balanta, who was also on the radar of Barcelona, is widely regarded as one of world’s most talented defenders, with the 21-year-old already a key member of the squad at River Plate as well as an important player for the Colombia national team.