JUVENTUS have reportedly identified Lyon star Houssem Aouar as an alternative option to Paul Pogba.
Manchester United are keen to keep hold of the French midfielder this summer despite interest from the Italian giants.
Calciomercato claim Juventus have lined up the 21-year-old as a back-up option if they fail to land Pogba.
Chelsea have also been linked with a £43million move for Aouar following his impressive spell of form in France.
Aouar has scored four goals and made seven assists for the Ligue 1 side this season.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is also said to be a long-term admirer of the France Under-21 star.
The manager even waited in the tunnel to speak personally with him after City’s 2-2 draw with Lyon in 2018.
But Lyon club president Jean-Michel Aulas has urged the midfielder to make the move to Serie A giants Juventus.
He told Tuttosport: “I have never spoken about Houssem with [Juve chairman] Andrea Agnelli, but I know that there have been contacts with some of our representatives.
“I would like to see Aouar at Juventus in the future and I hope that that is also his ambition.
“If Aouar has this ambition, then he will want to use our upcoming double-clash with them in the Champions’ League to make a good impression.
“Sooner or later, I am going to have provide my friend Agnelli with a nice transfer.”
Should Juventus make a move for the 21-year-old, United will be confident they can keep hold of Pogba this summer.
The World Cup winner has been heavily linked with a summer switch after making just seven Premier League appearances this summer.
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is adamant that he will be a Manchester United player for several more seasons.
After his side’s 5-0 win over LASK, he said: “Paul is our player and has got two years left on his contract.
“There is also the option of another year so you can expect Paul to be here.”
Pogba is expected to return to training next week after being out of action since Boxing Day with an ankle problem.
