Juventus rule out move to sign Sissoko

Juventus' interest in the Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko appears to have cooled after the club revealed they were unlikely to make any January signings.

Sissoko said on Thursday that he was "very close" to joining the Turin side, while his Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez, admitted that the Merseysiders were waiting for the "right club and the right offer" for the 22-year-old.

The Juventus coach, Claudio Ranieri, was reported to be keen on signing him, but the club's president, Giovanni Cobolli Gigli, yesterday said: "Juventus will not make any acquisitions in the January transfer market. It's normal to dream of big players but, in order for dreams to come true, we need to wait for the right moment."

Sissoko, a Mali international, has admitted he is unsettled at Anfield after struggling to win a regular starting place. His former club Valencia are also reportedly in the hunt for his signature.

Speaking before Saturday's 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough, Benitez said: "I was talking with Momo about leaving a few times, and with his agent. We know we have two or three clubs asking about him and we will try to find the best solution for him and for us."