Juventus 'eye January swoop for Emerson Palmieri'

Juventus are reportedly considering a January swoop for Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri.

The 25-year-old missed four league matches earlier this season with a hamstring problem but has been a regular for Frank Lampard's side during the 2019-20 campaign.

Indeed, the full-back made his third straight Premier League start against Manchester City on Saturday night, although he was replaced during his team's 2-1 loss at the Etihad Stadium.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Juve boss Maurizio Sarri is determined to strengthen his defence during the January transfer window, and Emerson has emerged as a target for the Italian champions.

The Brazilian-born Italy international turned out for Roma between 2015 and 2018 before joining Chelsea, while he has also appeared for Palermo in Serie A.

Juve are also thought to be weighing up a swoop for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, having been impressed with his performances for loan club Roma this term.