Glen Johnson set for Juventus or Real Madrid switch?

Speculation over Glen Johnson’s Liverpool future intensified this week after the England international was linked with January transfer window moves to both Juventus and Real Madrid.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Monday, August 25, 2014: Liverpool's Glen Johnson injured during the Premier League match against Manchester City at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Following the signings of full-backs Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno this summer, doubt has been cast on the 30-year-old’s career on Merseyside.

The Guardian say Johnson is considering a move to Italian giants Juventus, whilst the Daily Star say Real Madrid are headhunting him as the potential replacement to former Red Alvar Arbelo, ironically the right-back Johnson replaced at Liverpool when Rafa Benitez signed him from Portsmouth in 2009.

Johnson’s contract at Anfield expires at the end of the season, allowing him to talk to clubs in January over a free transfer next summer.

Earlier this year, Brendan Rodgers reiterated the importance of having Johnson at the club, despite criticism over the defender’s performances last season.

“We want to keep Glen here,” Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo in March.

“There is no question about that, especially now he’s in this form. He’s 29 and we feel that he has still got good years ahead of him.

“No contracts will be looked at until the summer but his will be a priority for us, especially if he continues in the form that he’s in.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 10, 2014: Liverpool's Glen Johnson in action against Borussia Dortmund during a preseason friendly match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

However, earlier this month Johnson confirmed that talks over his new deal hadn’t come to fruition.

“There are no talks going on with the club at the moment,” he said. “There were minor talks towards the end of the last season but nothing else.

“I’ve loved playing my football here from day one, but obviously I can only talk to the club about it when they want to speak to me.

“In January, I could [talk to other clubs], but I’ll worry about that when January comes.”

Is this the end of the line for Liverpool and Johnson, or does he still have a part to play at the club? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.