Juve chief 'still hopeful of move for Icardi’ despite player close to PSG move

Juventus believe they can snatch Mauro Icardi on a permanent deal from Inter Milan under the noses of Paris Saint-Germain, according to Calcio Mercato.

The Argentinian is enjoying a prolific spell on loan with the Parisian giants and has 14 goals in 18 appearances so far, with PSG considering making the move permanent.

However Juventus, who missed out on signing him in the summer, retain a strong interest and club chief Fabio Paratici is optimistic a transfer can be sealed.

PSG have an agreement in place to sign Icardi for (€70million (£59.7m) at the conclusion of his temporary spell.

Icardi, who has eight senior caps for his country, may be tempted by a return to Italy having made his name with Sampdoria then Inter Milan.

Eleven goals in 33 games for Sampdoria earned a move to Inter in 2013, where Icardi established himself as an elite marksman, finding the net 124 times in 219 appearances over six seasons.