"?Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has told "?Radio Anch'io Sport that the Italian champions will fight for the signature of Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel.
The Belgium international has declared he will not be renewing his contract with the Russian club when his current deal expires at the end of the season. The midfielder has been linked to a host of clubs, including Premier League sides Stoke City and Everton.
With Juventus publicly declaring an interest in signing Witsel, Marotta has said that the club will monitor his situation and could look to sign him for free.
Axel Witsel hits back at claims he's deliberately underperforming to force through a move to Juventus - https://t.co/mLwDSAssni pic.twitter.com/H0EqJUxipV
"We have an obligation to monitor all players," Marotta told Radio Anch'io Sport. "Witsel is in an easier position, facilitated by the expiration of his contract. We will try to take him in January or June."
It was rumoured that Witsel had been approached by Everton in the summer transfer window just gone, but the midfielder was believed to be holding out for a big money move to Juventus.
Whilst it is reported that the Old Lady tried to sign him, they were unwilling to pay a high enough fee for a player that will be a free agent next summer.
It's unlikely that Juventus will make another offer for the Belgian in January because of this reason, so Witsel is likely to see out the remaining months of his contract with Zenit.
The Italian league leader's may seek to begin negotiations with him earlier than next summer though, hence why Marotta believes he could be signed in advance as early as January.
Derby winners and back on the scoresheet, doesn't get any better! ???
Now off to @BelRedDevils for two important games ? pic.twitter.com/8QncBifxqt
Witsel has faced some criticism in Russia due to an indifferent start to the season but he was back on the scoresheet in Zenit's impressive 4-2 victory over league leaders Spartak Moscow last weekend.
The win means they now go level on points with the Moscow-based club heading into the two week international break.
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