Juventus line up Zabaleta move

Italian champions Juventus are preparing to offer a pre-contract to Manchester City full-back Pablo Zabaleta amid the uncertain future of Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Zabaleta is approaching the final six months of his contract at the Etihad, and will be free to hold discussions with clubs overseas.

Spanish source Mundo Deportivo claims that the Old Lady want to recruit an experienced right wing-back for next season with Stephan Lichtsteiner frustrated with his current situation.

The Swiss is expected to pursue his career elsewhere in January with the likes of Dani Alves and Juan Cuadrado preferred on the right side of the defence.

Zabaleta has been a great performer for City over the years, but with Pep Guardiola looking to a new generation, an extension looks highly unlikely.

Juventus have made impressive Bosman signings over the years, and Axel Witsel could accompany Zabaleta to Turin next summer.

Witsel is reported to have made up his mind to join Juventus once his contract expires at Zenit St. Petersburg at the end of the campaign.