Juventus 'to rival Manchester United for Ruben Dias'

Juventus have reportedly switched their focus to bringing in Ruben Dias from Benfica after missing out on Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt.

De Ligt looks set to join Barcelona at the end of the season, bringing an end to the long-running saga.

Benfica ace Dias is just as highly rated, though, and Mundo Deportivo claims that he is now a prime target for the Italian champions.

Manchester United are believed to have already taken the first steps towards signing the 21-year-old, but Juve may have an advantage as the player shares the same agent - Jorge Mendes - as current first-team stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Cancelo.

Dias, who has made 37 appearances for Benfica in all competitions this season, is said to be seen as a long-term replacement for 37-year-old Andrea Barzagli.

Juventus also have Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci on their books, but they are aged 35 and 32 respectively.