my liverpool fc

Juventus are ready to meet a late challenge from Inter head on in the race for the signature of Liverpool midfielder Momo Sissoko.

The tough tackling Mali international is fourth in line to Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano in the centre midfield pecking order at Anfield, and there are increasing indications that Rafa Benitez will allow him to leave for a significant offer.

An amount in excess of £10m should be enough to convince the Reds to relinquish the 22-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Manchester City Everton, Fiorentina and Olympique Lyon.

Juventus have already opened the lines of communication and for the first time on Monday, coach Claudio Ranieri openly admitted an interest in the player, who is being dubbed in some circles as the “new Patrick Vieira”.

"I had the pleasure to coach him at Valencia and I like him a lot," the former Chelsea manager said yesterday. "I know him very well. He is a great player." J

uventus would ideally like to loan Sissoko out for the remainder of the season with an option to buy in the summer, but with so many teams now vying for his signature, the Bianconeri will almost certainly have to put their money where their mouth is, and do so fast.