Andre Gomes Juve's priority as Marotta balks at Pjanic release clause

The Bosnian's €38 million price tag is more than the Juve director is willing to pay, leaving open the possibility of a part-exchange while Gomes remains a top target

Valencia's Portuguese prospect Andre Gomes has emerged as a top transfer priority for Juventus in the coming window, while the club maintains interest in Miralem Pjanic despite his daunting valuation.  The Serie A winners are looking to bolster their ranks in the middle of the pitch due to the long-term absence of club icon Claudio Marchisio.
The 30-year-old underwent surgery earlier this year and is expected to be out another six months following a knee injury, leaving Juve short on midfield quality.
Gomes, 22, has impressed at Los Che this season and the Italians are keen to close a deal in the face of interest from the likes of Manchester United. Talks have already opened with the player's agent Jorge Mendes, and the club would be willing to spend up to €30 million on the Portugal international.

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With an approach for Gomes already underway and the repatriation of Mario Lemina from Marseille a done deal, Roma star Pjanic nevertheless remains a tempting figure after his brilliant season in 2015-16.
The Bosnian's release clause at the Stadio Olimpico is worth €38 million, but Sportmasta understands that Bianconeri director Giuseppe Marotta is not considering matching that valuation in order to force a sale.
Any deal made with Juve's Serie A rivals will have to come with Roma's consent, and the champions will attempt to open talks in order to gauge the possibility of taking Pjanic for the coming season.