Liverpool MF Sissoko near move to Juventus

Mohamed Sissoko

LIVERPOOL - Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko insists he is "very close" to securing a move to Juventus.


The 22-year-old joined Liverpool in the summer of 2005 from Valencia and is under contract with the Merseyside club until June 2011.


But Sissoko has struggled to hold down a starting place in Rafael Benitez's team and has made just nine Premier League appearances this season.


"I'm still a Liverpool player," Sissoko told Radio Montecarlo.


"But I expect a big announcement in the next few days.


"My agent, Juve and Liverpool are working on my departure.


"Everyone is asking me whether I have already signed: I haven't yet but my move to Juventus is very close.


"I'm expecting the good news any moment now, but I'm enthusiastic about beginning a new adventure in Italy with the Bianconeri."


Sissoko is expected to arrive on a loan deal with Juve being given the option to buy him at the end of the season.


The deal would see the Mali international link up with Claudio Ranieri, who he played under during his time in Spain. The Juve boss has already admitted he is keen on the midfielder.