ITALIAN giants Juventus are weighing up the possibility of doing a swap deal with Newcastle United for contract rebel Olivier Bernard.

Bernard, whose current terms expire at the end of the season, has refused to sign a new deal at St James' Park and will be free to move in the summer.

Juventus coach Fabio Capello has suggested the only position he is looking to strengthen when the transfer window opens tomorrow is left-back and he is an admirer of the Frenchman's talents.

Capello, also looking to offload defender Mark Iuliano, is believed to be considering offering out-of- favour Croatian centre-back Igor Tudor in a deal that would see Bernard head in the opposite direction.

Tudor has made just one start for the Turin club this season and has struggled with injuries. The 26-year-old would welcome a move to the Premiership, although he did sign a new contract in the summer.

Bernard's days on Tyneside look to be numbered, especially as manager Graeme Souness has lined up Celestine Babayaro from Chelsea.

It has looked increasingly likely that Bernard will move on over the past few months after failing to have his pay demands met by the Newcastle board.

Middlesbrough are also keeping an eye on the situation as they look to find competition for Franck Queudrue during the month-long transfer window.

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