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Juventus 'close to Alvaro Morata deal'

Juventus are on the verge of signing Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, according to reports in Italy.

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Gazzetta dello Sport and Turin-based sports newspaper Tuttosport claim the Spain U21 international is set to join the Italian champions in a 17.5 million-pound transfer.

Morata, who was part of Real's first team under coach Carlo Ancelotti last season, is set to sign a four-year contract with the Bianconeri.

Despite scoring eight goals in 23 La Liga appearances in the 2013-14 campaign, Morata made just three starts, and the 21-year-old is keen to leave the Santiago Bernabeu in search of more playing time.

He has one year left in his contract with the European champions, and is also a reported target of Arsenal and Wolfsburg.

Juve have faced upheaval of late, with coach Antonio Conte resigning on Tuesday and being replaced by Massimiliano Allegri the following day.

Fabio Quagliarella has since left the Bianconeri to return to Torino, while the club have warned that Manchester United target Arturo Vidal is not for sale.