JUVENTUS have stolen a march on the Premier League in the pursuit of Robin van Persie.

That is according to the Daily Mirror who claim the Arsenal striker is ready to snub England and move to the Italian giants.

And the Mirror report that the Gunners could be hit with a second blow with Theo Walcott next to leave as his contract, like van Persie’s, enters its final year.

In response to losing their talisman, Arsene Wenger could turn to Stevan Jovetic and Robert Lewandowski as replacements, say the Daily Mail.

The Mail also claim Tottenham will listen to offers of around �10m for Rafael van der Vaart and fellow playmaker Luka Modric has an equally uncertain future – with his �35m move to Real Madrid close to collapse.

The Times say Manchester United are willing to pay �20m for Portugal midfielder Joao Moutinho while Manchester City star David Silva is set to sign a new �52m, five-year deal, so says the Daily Star.

In rumours affecting Championship clubs, Brighton are set to launch an audacious bid to grab Manchester City full-back Wayne Bridge on loan (Daily Mail) while Birmingham City face a fight to keep hold of England starlet keeper Jack Butland with Spurs considering a �7 million bid (Daily Mail).

There are also numerous stories saying Middlesbrough are close to signing former England centre-back Jonathan Woodgate, who is now a free agent after his release from Stoke City.

Away from action on the pitch, the Mail also reports that former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola could be the next national manager of Russia.