Juventus are prepared to wait until June 2018 to sign Everton and AC Milan target Keita Balde on a free transfer from Lazio, according to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato.
Keita, who just has a year remaining in his present contract with Lazio, has been heavily linked with leaving the Serie A outfit this summer.
Several clubs including Juventus, AC Milan and Everton have been credited with showing interest in the Senegal international and it has been suggested that the Toffees are working towards making an offer for the 22-year-old.
Keita’s agent Roberto Calenda last week claimed that Lazio have an agreement with AC Milan for his client; however, the player is yet to agree on personal terms with the Rossoneri.
On the other hand, it is believed that Juventus have reached an agreement with Keita, but the Italian champions are baulking at Lazio’s €25m asking price.
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Calenda has already met Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici and it seems Keita thinks moving to the Bianconeri would be the right choice for his future.
As a result, Juventus are willing to wait another season for Keita, who will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement in January, if they cannot reach an agreement with Lazio.
But AC Milan remain interested in Keita, with the Senegalese also not closing the door completely to a move to the San Siro.
It remains to be seen if Everton step up their chase for Keita and manage to snap him up from under the noses of Juventus and AC Milan.
