Juventus join Barcelona in Memphis Depay transfer race and Lyon striker could cost just £4.5m next month

JUVENTUS have reportedly joined Barcelona in the race for Lyon star Memphis Depay.

The former Manchester United forward is in the final year of his contract and could be available for just £4.5million when the transfer window opens next month.

Depay was a top target for Barcelona gaffer Ronald Koeman last summer but the cash-strapped club could not meet Lyon's demands.

The Dutchman's electric form - eight goals in 16 appearances - and new bargain price tag has alerted Juventus.

According to , Andrea Pirlo fancies a fourth attacking option to challenge Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata.

Napoli forward Arkadiusz Milik is also being considered by Juventus.

Dutch danger man Depay recently dismissed talk of a mid-season switch to Barcelona.

Speaking last week, he said: "We have a great team, a great collective spirit and, while I don't know what will happen later, I'm 100 per cent focused on Lyon right now.

"I'm a player, a captain and the most important thing is working hard and winning matches. If I think about my own future, then I could lose focus.

"I can't say anything about that [Barcelona interest], there are many clubs that are interested but right now I'm here."

Lyon could be forced to cash in, however, with their financial position made even more concerning by the collapse of the Ligue 1 TV deal.

Barcelona fancy Depay in an effort to give their wretched La Liga campaign a shot in the arm.

The Nou Camp giants are fifth in the table, eight points behind leaders Atletico Madrid having played one game more.

Depay has rebuilt his reputation at Lyon after a disappointing 18-month spell at Old Trafford in which he could only manage two goals in 33 Premier League appearances.