Juventus have set their sights on bolstering their defensive line this January transfer window, with plans to bring in not one, but two new defenders. This decision might come as a surprise to some, given that the Old Lady’s real struggles have been further up the pitch, in attack. However, manager Thiago Motta believes that in the long run, the lack of viable alternatives coupled with a busy fixture list could ultimately hamper the team’s performance.
Despite the focus on defence, Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli is quietly working on securing a backup for Dusan Vlahovic, as the team awaits Arek Milik’s return from injury. The club has several ideas in mind to improve a squad that has found it challenging to find the back of the net in Serie A, having scored just 24 goals in 15 matches.
Calciomercato [**report**](https://www.calciomercato.com/news/juventus-caccia-al-vice-vlahovic-fullkrug-si-propone-osservato-53371) that Lorenzo Lucca continues to be of great interest to Juventus, but Udinese is not keen on opening negotiations in January. There are rumors of interest in Liam Delap, who has 6 goals and 1 assist in 15 Premier League appearances this season. However, Ipswich Town’s substantial investment in the player makes a mid-season move unlikely.
Juventus scouts are also keeping tabs on Casper Tengstedt, who has impressed with 5 goals for Hellas Verona in his first few months on loan from Benfica.
An intriguing option has emerged in Niclas Füllkrug. The German striker moved to West Ham from Borussia Dortmund last summer for €26 million plus €4 million in bonuses, lured by the allure of the Premier League. However, his time with the Hammers has been disappointing. Füllkrug has struggled to connect with manager Julen Lopetegui and spends more time on the bench than on the pitch, consequently losing his starting spot in the German national team.
As a result, Füllkrug’s agency, Roof, is exploring the market for the best solution to facilitate a move away from West Ham after just four months. They have identified Juventus as an ideal destination and have offered the striker’s services to Cristiano Giuntoli, confirming recent rumors.
Juventus has taken time to consider the proposal and might only entertain a loan deal with an option to buy. The parties will reconvene later to discuss further, but the 31-year-old striker is said to be keen on a move to Turin.