Buffon-Abbiati swap deal

“I also don't think that Juventus will sell Buffon. I think people are exaggerating his loss of form. The Old Lady are having a tough time, but they want to make a competitive team so they need champions like Gigi.” said Vincenzo Morabito

Milan are rekindling their interest in Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon and reportedly believe he can be exchanged for Christian Abbiati plus cash.

The Rossoneri have long been admirers of Buffon and tried to sign him when the Bianconeri were relegated to Serie B in 2006.

The Italy No 1 is frustrated at life in Turin and appears open to either a move abroad or to the club of his grandfather's cousin, Milan.

Juventus are said to want £40m for Buffon, but Silvano Martina, the player's agent, believes he is worth half that figure.

Manchester City apparently made a bid of £70m for the 31-year-old in January only to sign Shay Given later that month.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Abbiati has been inserted into the potential transfer to offer Juve a replacement and to bring the cash deal down.

Abbiati spent a season on loan with Juventus three years ago after Buffon was injured against Milan in the Luigi Berlusconi Trophy Final.

He made 19 appearances for the Bianconeri before Milan sent him on loan to Torino and then Atlético Madrid.

Abbiati returned to the Rossoneri this summer and established himself as their No 1 until a knee ligament injury ended his season.

The 31-year-old will be out for six months at the very least and his physical condition will have to be factored into any deal for Buffon.

Comment of Abbiati's Agent

The other place milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati has no intention of leaving the Rossoneri in an exchange deal with Gigi Buffon, according to his representative.

There have been whispers that the unsettled Buffon will be exchanged for Abbiati and a significant cash sum.

But Vincenzo Morabito, who protects Abbiati's interests, doesn't think the transfer is likely.

“This is strange talk because Abbiati is recovering from a serious injury and may not even be available before August,” he told Tuttojuve.

“Besides, Christian is happy at Milan and not even thinking about any other options for his future.

“He had numerous options last season, but he made his choice and I think he will stay with the Diavolo.

“I also don't think that Juventus will sell Buffon. I think people are exaggerating his loss of form. The Old Lady are having a tough time, but they want to make a competitive team so they need champions like Gigi.”