Juventus have apparently beaten off major competition to sign Laurentiu Branescu, the Romanian Gigi Buffon.

The 16-year-old had attracted significant interest from Manchester United and Aston Villa only to choose a move to Turin.

Branescu had trials with both Premier League clubs and made a big impression.

However, Il Corriere dello Sport understands Juventus have paid €400,000 for the CSM Ramnicu Valcea starlet.

A formal announcement confirming the transfer has yet to be made.

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