SCHOLES SET TO DISAPPOINT JUVE
The England international is close to agreeing terms on a new deal with the Premiership champions, and he will be entitled to a testimonial if he puts pen-to-paper on the fresh offer.
"We are still in negotiations and are confident they will be concluded soon," confirmed communications director Patrick Harverson, in response to some reports claiming that Scholes had already signed the contract.
Juve are believed to be closely monitoring the negotiations between United and the 26-year-old, as they ponder their options ahead of a busy close season of transfer activity.
With Arsenal refusing to give any encouragement over Patrick Vieira, the Turin giants are understood to be short-listing other possible targets for a midfield that would be severely weakened if Edgar Davids is banned for testing "non negative" following a routine drug test.
Juventus will fight Davids' corner all the way but the club are preparing themselves for the worst case scenario and Scholes, along with Real Madrid's Claude Makelele, are two players interesting the Bianconeri.
Scholes was the subject of a massive bid from Internazionale last summer but he has always expressed his satisfaction with life in Manchester, and is not the sort of character to be tempted by the lure of the Lira.
As for Vieira, the Frenchman has insisted he wants to stay with Arsenal, despite hinting otherwise on numerous occasions this year.
"I want to make it clear I have no intention of leaving Highbury," he stated. "Why should I even consider leaving Arsenal?"
The leggy midfielder has confirmed he will see out his contract, which does not expire until 2004, but the speculation will continue with a number of major clubs coveting his talents.
