Sissoko closing in on Juve switch

LIVERPOOL, England -- Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko has revealed he is "very close" to joining Serie A giants Juventus.

The 22-year-old moved to Liverpool in the summer of 2005 from Valencia and is under contract with the Merseyside club until June 2011.

However, he has struggled to hold down a starting place in Rafael Benitez's side, making just nine Barclays Premier League appearances this season.

"I'm still a Liverpool player but I expect a big announcement in the next few days. My agent, Juve and Liverpool are working on my departure," said the Mali international.

"Everyone is asking me whether I have already signed -- I haven't yet but my move to Juventus is very close.

"I'm expecting the good news any moment now, but I'm enthusiastic about beginning a new adventure in Italy with the Bianconeri."

Sissoko is expected to arrive in Turin on a loan deal, with Juve being given the option to buy him at the end of the season.

The switch would see the Sissoko link-up with Claudio Ranieri, whom he played under during his time in Spain. The Juve coach has already admitted he is keen on the midfielder. E-mail to a friend