Transfer exclusive: Vlahovic's future clouded ahead of January market

Vlahovic has been linked with a move away from Juventus

Luciano Spalletti will be unveiled as the new Juventus coach today but Dusan Vlahovic’s future at the club remains uncertain.

Juve have taken the decision to remove Igor Tudor from his head coach role, on the back of an eight-game winless run.

That was on Monday and they moved quickly to replace him, with 66-year-old Spalletti now handed the task of getting their season back on track.

His opening words at a press conference today will be interesting and it is likely he will be asked about the future of Vlahovic among the topics.

Sources say the change of coach is interesting as it does provide a possibility of impact on the future of the Serbian striker.

However, insiders also insist the underlying truth is that Juve’s main objective is to make sure they do not lose Vlahovic for free at the end of the season.

Vlahovic's recent stats

If Spalletti sees Vlahovic in a new light then there will need to be fresh discussions about a new contract, and the player will need to become more open minded about taking a pay cut.

If that does not happen then Vlahovic will seek new club options, with initial explorations already taking place ahead of the January window.

Vlahovic, 25, has been linked with the Premier League - where he has always wanted to test himself - but no progress has been made in terms of finding a club at this stage.

Barcelona have been keeping an eye on the situation as they consider a new No.9, while AC Milan and Roma are known to have interest in the situation from within Serie A.

Juventus would be happy to sell him in January if no agreeable new contract can be found but the opening days of Spalletti’s reign - and the role Vlahovic plays in it - should be telling.

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Dean Jones