Italian giants Juventus are ready to rival Manchester United in the chase to sign promising Austrian youngster Marcel Sabitzer, according to talkSPORT.

The 18-year-old forward is out of contract at his current Austrian club side Admira Wacker at the end of the season and is valued at £1million.

He has scored eight goals since the start of last season and his form lead to him earning a first senior international cap in Austria's 0-0 draw with Romania in June, however he has since dropped back down to the Under-21 squad.

While United are keen to secure the services of Sabitzer, reports in Italy suggest that Juventus have emerged as frontrunners to sign him and could make a move for him as early as January.

His current club are reluctant to lose him, but the lure of playing for one of Europes major clubs will be a temptation for the young player.

Sabitzer adds his name to a string of players linked with Sir Alex Ferguson's side recently, with the United chief looking keen to strengthen his squad this winter as his side bids to reclaim their Premier League title from bitter rivals Manchester City.