Juventus Football News – Italian giants Juventus have sounded out Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing and Liverpool’s Ryan Babel as possible replacements for Pavel Nedved, according to a report in British tabloid newspaper The Daily Mirror.

The 36-year-old former Czech Republic international, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2003, is set to retire at the end of the season so the Old Lady are on the look-out for fresh blood.

It is thought that Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery and Valencia’s David Silva are also on the Bianconeri’s short-list, but they will prove to be much more expensive options.

Liverpool may be willing to let 22-year-old Dutch international Ryan Babel leave for the right price as the versatile attacker has struggled to hold down a first team place since signing from Ajax in 2007.

Meanwhile, it is claimed that Juventus scouts have been impressed with Downing’s recent performances for club and country. Should Boro fail to stave off relegation, Juve could land him on the cheap.