JUVENTUS and Saints remain in negotiations to complete the loan transfer of midfielder Charly Alcaraz. 

The package worth up to £40million includes a buy option, with a medical set for Wednesday if all agreed. 

Saints are negotiating for an up-front loan fee to be paid - with a report in Italy suggesting that payment could be around £5million. 

Several Italian publications reported that the Serie A side tried to complete a move for Alcaraz, 21, on Tuesday evening. 

Italy's winter transfer deadline is also on Thursday, February 1, but closes at 7pm - four hours earlier than in England. 

Sky Italy reported interest in Alcaraz from Juventus, while Di Marzio added that Juventus tried for a loan move.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano then confirmed Alcaraz is one candidate as the Old Lady look to sign a young midfielder. 

Juventus tabled a loan bid with an option to buy worth over £35million at the end of the season.

Alcaraz is unlikely to be happy with his playing time at Saints this season, with Stuart Armstrong starting ahead of him.

The 21 year old has found himself down the pecking order at Saints this season despite impressing in the Premier League.

Argentine youth international Alcaraz scored four top-flight goals after signing from Racing Club for more than £11million in January 2023. 

However, he has only started one of the last nine Championship matches despite completing 90 minutes in both FA Cup outings.

Saints manager Russell Martin addressed concerns over Alcaraz's playing time in a press conference earlier this month. 

The boss said: "He is a fantastic young talent with huge potential

"He has had some brilliant games with us and some not-so-brilliant but he is a really young player.

"His best position is probably the same as one of our best players, Stuart Armstrong, so it is really difficult.

"Charly will continue to be a big player for us but you can be a big player and not start every game."