Real Madrid Transfer News: Miralem Pjanic Blow in Latest Contract Rumours

Juventus are reportedly ready to tie down midfielder Miralem Pjanic to a new long-term contract amid rumours linking the Bosnia and Herzegovina international with Real Madrid. 

According to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Calciomercato.com's Kaustubh Pandey), both he and Alex Sandro will sign new contracts in September. 

La Gazzetta dello Sport previously reported Los Blancos were eyeing Pjanic as a potential replacement for Luka Modric (h/t MailOnline's Spencer Morgan).

John Bazemore/Associated Press

Modric has been linked with a move to Inter Milan throughout the summer, although AS' Tomas Roncero indicated the Croatia international will sign a new contract with Los Blancos.

Their star midfielder's departure would have left the European champions with a major hole in the centre of the park and few available players who could fill it.

Pjanic would fit the profile as a silky passer with quick feet and excellent range. The former Roma man has also been the subject of persistent speculation this summer, with Tuttosport linking Barcelona and Manchester City with his services (h/t Joe Short of the Daily Express).

But throughout the speculation, Italy's main news outlets maintained his focus was more on a renewal:

Juventus are all-in for the immediate future following Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival and Leonardo Bonucci's return, so selling their best midfielder wouldn't have made any sense. If he's willing to stay, there's no reason a deal can't be struck.

His arrival was likely dependent on Modric's departure anyway, and the Croat seems likely to stay in the Spanish capital.