Juventus are determined to bring Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko to Turin in a £7m deal.

Claudio Ranieri has confirmed Sissoko was his first choice to reinforce the squad in the summer, but that the failure to capture him pushed them on to flops Sergio Almiron and Tiago Mendes.

Now Sissoko’s rapport with Liverpool and boss Rafa Benitez has deteriorated and this ‘marriage’ could finally be consummated in January.

Juve had been eager to pick up Boca Juniors youngster Ever Banega, but Valencia’s intervention has made the matter more complicated.

According to today’s ‘Corriere dello Sport’ newspaper, Ranieri has named Sissoko as his number one choice for 2008.

Although Liverpool have set a £9m price-tag, it is believed he could be released for as little as £7m.

The cash sum could be lowered even more if Jonathan Zebina is included as part of an exchange deal with the Anfield club.