Transfer Centre

Transfer rumours: Juventus to hold Samuel Iling-Junior talks, Milan sign Serbian wonderkid, Coventry City sign Victor Torp

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 12 January 2024

Sports Mole rounds up the latest January transfer rumours, including Juventus being keen to hold talks with Samuel Iling-Junior and AC Milan signing a Serbian wonderkid.

Juventus are reportedly keen to extend the contract of winger Samuel Iling-Junior as soon as possible.

Although positives would have been taken from breaking into Juventus' senior ranks, Iling-Junior has failed to establish a spot in the starting lineup.

That has led to speculation regarding his future at a time when Juventus may look to strengthen their FFP position, the likes of Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur having been linked with the 20-year-old.

However, according to Tuttosport, Iling-Junior's recent performances have led to a change of heart from club officials and Massimiliano Allegri.

While he remains with just one start and 10 substitute outings in 2023-24, Iling-Junior has been heavily involved either side of the Christmas break, scoring an important goal in the Coppa Italia tie with Salternitana.

As a result, Juventus are seemingly keen to extend the England Under-21 international's contract past 2025, partly to strengthen their position should offers arrive for his signature.

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli reacts on January 7, 2024 © Reuters

Meanwhile, fellow Italian side AC Milan have reportedly pulled off somewhat of a coup in signing Serbian wonderkid Matija Popovic.

The 18-year-old is available on a free transfer having recently left Partizan Belgrade, leading to widespread interest in his signature.

While the playmaker did not feature for the first team, 21 goals and five assists came from just 25 appearances in the youth side.

According to Football Insider, Milan have seen off the challenge of Manchester City in order to agree a long-term deal with the Serbia Under-17 international.

As it stands, the expectation is that Popovic will be allowed to acclimatise to Italian football in the academy ranks before being considered for his senior bow.

Coventry City manager Mark Robins on December 8, 2023 © Reuters

In the second-tier of English football, Championship side Coventry City have spent a considerable sum to sign Victor Torp from Sarpsborg 08.

Having sold Viktor Gyokeres and Gustavo Hamer in the summer, the Sky Blues have money to spend as they attempt to make a bid for promotion to the Premier League.

A fee allegedly in the region of £2m has been spent to acquire the services of Torp on a contract until the end of the 2027-28 campaign.

The central midfielder has just enjoyed a productive campaign in Norway's Eliteserien, contributing six goals and three assists from 30 appearances.

Torp, who represented Denmark up to Under-20 level, is not expected to feature when Coventry play host to league leaders Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.