Manchester United to recruit Juventus scouting manager Javier Ribalta

Ribalta has worked at Juventus for the past five years

United have already brought Benfica's Victor Lindelof to Old Trafford (Getty)

Juventus scouting manager Javier Ribalta is moving to Manchester United, reports suggest.

Planning is well under way for the 2017-18 season, with Benfica's Victor Lindelof the only player to have so far arrived at Old Trafford.

However, United have managed to strengthen their backroom team as Ribalta will join them from Juventus, where he has worked for the past five years.

It is understood Ribalta will work alongside chief scouts Jim Lawlor and Marcel Bout at Old Trafford.

Juventus confirmed their scouting manager was departing on Friday morning to "take on a new professional adventure elsewhere".

Ribalta told the Juventus' official website: "It has been a wonderful few years here.

"My thanks go to all involved with the club, particularly Giuseppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici for the faith they have shown in me since day one.

"I will look back on my time at Juventus with great pleasure."