Juve eyeing Douglas Costa of Bayern Munich

Reports in the Italian press indicate that Juventus are preparing a bid for Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa reportedly close to €40m plus bonuses.

The Bianconeri are looking to bring in at least one winger this summer, and Coach Max Allegri confirmed yesterday that the Brazilian is one of the targets.

It’s thought the Italian champions have the basis of a deal with the player, but the German champions are asking for €50m.

It will not be a surprise were the two clubs reach a quick agreement considering that relations between them are excellent following the moves from Juve to Bayern of Arturo Vidal, Kingsley Coman and Medhi Benatia. France coach Didier Deschamps has some choices to make, choices that many would envy.

Although France has played with a settled lineup since last year’s European Championship, where the team reached the final, the sheer weight of talent coming through is pushing Deschamps into a rethink.

He changed his forward line for a friendly match against England on Tuesday and the young players starred in a 3-2 win. Eighteen-yearold striker Kylian Mbappe combined effortlessly with 20-year-old right winger Ousmane Dembele, while 21-year-old left winger Thomas Lemar impressed with his crisp passing and work rate.

Forward Antoine Griezmann, the top scorer at Euro 2016, and left-sided attacking midfielder Dimitri Payet, one of France’s best players at that tournament, were hardly missed. Neither was rightsided attacking midfielder Moussa Sissoko, another Euro 2016 mainstay.

Although Griezmann is likely to keep his place for the crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands on Aug. 31, the other two have some worrying to do.

“I will analyze things in depth. I will have a studious summer,” said Deschamps, praising the impact made by the three youngsters. “When I pick players, it’s in their interest to play well. They did and it gives me something to think about.”

A glance at the France bench against England offers a further France’s national soccer team head coach Didier Deschamps smiles during a press conference Photo: AP