Juventus Edging Liverpool in Race to Sign AC Milan Defender Mattia De Sciglio

Juventus are the front runners in the race to sign AC Milan defender Mattia De Sciglio, who Liverpool are thought to be keeping tabs on, according toCalciomercatoweb.

The 24-year-old has been an impressive outlet for the Rossoneri but doubts remain over the player's long-term future at the club with Milan set to change ownership soon.

If Liverpool decided to pursue the signing of the defender, who can play either the left or right, they would face stiff competition from not only the Serie A champions, but also Napoli and Barcelona, too, who are said to be admirers.

De Sciglio is back! ��� pic.twitter.com/q02XzXXL4X

De Sciglio's contract runs out in 2018 so it is fast approaching a time when AC Milan will be forced into making a decision over his future.He has been with Milan since the beginning of his professional career, breaking through during the 2011/12 campaign in which he made his debut at the age of 18 in a Champions League group match against Viktoria Plzen.

He initially struggled to nail down a place at the San Siro, but has been ever-present - when fit - for Vincenzo Montella's side this season. While Jugen Klopp is believed to be in the market for defensive reinforcements, Juventus are overwhelming favourites to secure De Sciglio's services, should they choose to make a move.

Not only are Juventus the dominant force in Italian football, De Sciglio enjoyed a productive working relationship with Massimiliano Allegri during the manager's spell at Milan, during which he gave the player the coveted number two shirt, formerly worn by Cafu and Mauro Tassotti.

Transfer ALERT! Juventus leading race for Liverpool target Mattia De Sciglio https://t.co/OpV9b7JkzI @Cristiano @Cristiano pic.twitter.com/BKx1m4HBO7