Reports: Kolarov linked with Serie A return

Juventus and Inter Milan are reportedly ready to do battle for Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed on Thursday that Inter Milan have made the first move in expressing an interest in the English Premier League club’s left-back, who is believed to be an admirer of coach Claudio Ranieri.

But the report says any deal to bring Kolarov to the San Siro would only take place if a bid for City team-mate Carlos Tevez fails to materialise.

Meanwhile, Tuttosport have reported that Juventus have entered the race for the 26-year-old’s signature, and have seemingly moved to the top of queue.

Juve general director Giuseppe Marotta is believed to have met with Kolarov’s agent Sergio Berti on Wednesday.

Serbia international Kolarov joined Manchester City from Lazio before the 2010/11 campaign for a sum of 16 million pounds, becoming an versatile part of Roberto Mancini’s squad at Etihad Stadium.

But the arrival of Gael Clichy in July has made a starting place hard to find for Kolarov, who has featured just 16 times in all competitions this campaign.