Wednesday 22 June 2016 12:09, UK
Juventus have conceded defeat in their pursuit of Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano.
The Serie A champions have been targeting Mascherano this summer, but Barca have refused to contemplate the departure of the Argentina international, reassuring him he still has a role to play under Luis Enrique.
And that has prompted Juve's managing director Beppe Marotta to admit the Old Lady have now given up trying to sign the former Liverpool man.
"Barcelona do not want to sell, therefore it is a closed case," Marotta told Marca.
The Spanish media organisation adds Mascherano is now expected to put pen to paper on a new Barcelona contract.
However, Juventus still remain on course to complete the signing of Brazilian right-back Dani Alves on a free transfer from Barcelona.
The 33-year-old spent eight years at the Nou Camp but looks set to undergo a medical with the Turin giants early next week.
