Juventus chief responds to Cristiano Ronaldo speculation

Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta has refused to confirm whether the club are close to securing the services of Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Manchester United star has been tipped to join the Bianconeri in recent days after he decided against a contract extension with Real Madrid.

A recent report from A Bola highlighted that the Portuguese star is on the cusp of joining the Turin giants after they triggered his £88m release clause but when asked on the same, Marotta refused to offer his input. He told Sky Italia: "I will not speak [about the speculation]."

Ronaldo has been considering his future with the European champions over the past year and it now appears that he is keen on a new challenge with the Bianconeri in the Serie A.

The Italian champions have come close to securing the Champions League title after reaching the final in two of the previous four seasons and Ronaldo's arrival may enhance their prospects of winning the European crown next term.