Juve keen to snap up Mellberg

Italians considering January move for defender

By Nadia Carminati   Last updated: 17th January 2008

olof mellberg aston villa

Mellberg: Linked with Juve

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Juventus are considering a move for Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg before the close of the transfer window, according to reports in the Italian press.

The Serie A giants have been interested in Mellberg for some time and Villa recently confirmed they had asked for permission to speak with the Swede.

Mellberg's current deal with Villa expires in the summer, although he has been free to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club since the start of January.

However, Juve are understood to want Mellberg before the end of the season after losing Giorgio Chiellini to injury.

They would have to pay a transfer fee but Chiellini is set to be sidelined for around six weeks and Juve are desperate to bring in cover.

If Juve cannot secure Mellberg they are likely to recall a number of their young defenders from loan spells around Italy.