Juventus increase bid for Schalke starlet Draxler

Juventus have increased their offer for Schalke ace Julian Draxler to an initial €23 million with the promise of a further €6m in bonuses.

The Bianconeri originally went to the Bundesliga outfit with a €20m package for the attacker, who still has three years left on his contract.

However, Schalke rejected the bid, prompting Juve to explore other options, with the Italian champions' general director Beppe Marotta stating: “We've pretty much abandoned negotiations for Draxler for a number of reasons, but we're still looking for someone to play behind the strikers."

The Bianconeri, though, have now returned with an improved offer for Draxler and are now hoping to wrap up a deal before the close of the transfer window on August 31, having already agreed personal terms with the Germany international.

Juve have already significantly revamped their attack over the summer, with the exits of Carlos Tevez, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo having been offset by the arrivals of Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala and Sami Khedira.

However, Bianconeri boss Massimiliano Allegri has made no secret of his desire to land a player capable of playing behind the strikers and Draxler has always been his No.1 target.

The Scudetto holders stepped up their efforts to land a trequartista after suffering a shock loss to Udinese in the opening game of their Serie A title defence last weekend.