Juve out of Nesta race

The Italian international had been involved in a tug-of-war for his services between Juventus and Internazionale.

Nesta favours a move to Giuseppe Meazza but negotiations for the stylish stopper to link up with the Nerazzurri have stalled.

Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti then upped the ante further by claiming Juventus maintained an interest in landing Nesta.

Both Inter and Juventus had previously agreed a pact that they would not fork out more than £18 million for the 26-year-old.

But Cragnotti is prepared to allow Nesta to join the Bianconeri on the proviso that Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids is included as part of the package.

Juventus director Antonio Giraudo, though, has declared the Turin giants are not interested in taking Nesta to Stadio Delle Alpi.

"You really need to talk to my colleague Luciano Moggi but Nesta is not one of our transfer targets," said Giraudo.

"We already have a competitive squad and we are adding to it by inserting talented youngsters of real value."

With Juventus seemingly pulling out of the race for Nesta and Inter dithering over wrapping up a swoop, it could pave the way for Manchester United or Real Madrid to snatch the defender.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he is keen on enticing Nesta to Old Trafford although the Italian is reticent about leaving Serie A.

If United do capture Nesta, it would terminate their interest in Juventus' experienced defender Lilian Thuram.

The Frenchman has been a long-standing target for The Red Devils but a bid for Thuram is unlikely to be welcomed in Turin.

Giraudo added: "Thuram is a great champion and we bought him because we wanted to keep hold of him."