Juventus are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Douglas Costa from Bayern Munich.
The Italian giants are understood to have been interested in the winger for some time now, but talks had stalled over Bayern's asking price of around £35m.
However, reports in Italy have now claimed that Juventus are considering spreading that transfer fee - plus any bonuses - over two years in a similar arrangement to that that have seen the likes of Kingsley Coman and Medhi Benatia switch between the two clubs in recent seasons.
Juventus will reportedly take Costa on a two-year loan for a fee of €10m (£8.8m) with an obligation to make the move permanent in 2019 for a further €30m (£26.5m).
It is thought to be a significant step in the right direction for the deal to take place as the beaten Champions League finalists look to strengthen their squad in a bid to end their long wait for a third European crown.
Barney Corkhill
