Juve chief confirms interest in Lazio forward

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed that the Italian champions are indeed interested in a summer move for Lazio attacker Keita Balde Diao.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a top season with the Capital-based club after having netted 16 goals from just 31 league outings.

While no agreement is in place to sign the highly-rated forward, Marotta admits that his side are keeping a close watch on the player, who could integrate well with a relatively experienced Juventus squad.

"There is no agreement over Keita," he told Radio Anch'io. "He is a Lazio player and has a contract for another year.

"We are keeping an eye on his situation and are interested, but we are calm. We are always looking for talents who could play alongside our more experienced players."

Diao, who is a full international with Senegal, had been previously linked with a move to cash-rich AC Milan before his agent Roberto Calenda dismissed the speculation.

He has already amassed three goals in 12 caps for the Senegal national side with his debut coming against Niger in June 2016.