Real Madrid 'knocked back' in Pjanic chase

Although Pjanic's future had previously been somewhat up in the air owing to, among other things, significant interest in him from Barcelona, it now appears that he will be remaining at Juventus for the time being.

The Italian side have set out their stall that Pjanic is one of the players they want to build their team around this season and they they are prepared to reject eye-watering amounts of cash for him.

Juventus made it clear to Barcelona that they value Pjanic at €75m and the same message has now been transmitted to 'Los Blancos'.

Despite Real Madrid having done Juve a 'favour' in agreeing to part with Ronaldo, there will be no repayment in kind from the 'Old Lady'.

According to the aforementioned source, not only are Juve not interested in selling, but Pjanic is also keen to extend his current deal with the club by penning fresh terms through until the summer of 2023.

The news will come as a major blow to Madrid chiefs, who have been tracking the player since as early as 2008 when he was plying his trade in France with Olympique Lyonnais.

Whilst the suggestion is that Pjanic's arrival was not a huge priority for Real Madrid and that he was considered more of an insurance option should Luka Modric depart the Spanish capital, the club's apparent inability to secure big-name targets will appear to be a source of frustration to the European champions.