Hummels wanted by Juve boss

Juventus boss Antonio Conte has asked club officials for German international stopper Mats Hummels, according to reports.

The tactician is keen for a new centre-back and the Borussia Dortmund man is at the top of his wish-list.

However, it seems unlikely that the Turin giants will be able to deliver the 23-year-old given the potential cost of the operation.

Borussia value the former Bayern Munich player at around €18m – a fee considered too high for a defender given that Juve are hoping to use their transfer funds to sign a top striker.

Juventus are also interested in Portugal and Zenit defender Bruno Alves and they will attempt to convince his Russian club to release him on loan for 2012-13.

Hummels would be a better long term option imo.