[Thatslife]

Reports in Spain claim Valencia are monitoring the situation of Juventus defender Alessandro Birindelli.
The Primera outfit have been looking to recruit a right-sided full back for some time after a serious injury to Curro Torres, which is still sidelining the Spanish international, and their decision not to renew the contract of Jocelyn Angloma last summer.

Che boss Rafa Benitez was rumoured to have targeted the Italian international during last close season, but was informed the club did not have the funds to pursue a transfer.

However, Birindelli will be out of contract next June and thus eligible to move on for nothing, but Valencia are keen to take him to the Mestalla when the transfer window reopens in January.

The Spaniards are considering offering Juve a small amount for the remainder of the player's contract, but will bide their time until the end of the season if the Turin giants reject their proposal.

Juve are thought to have offered the defender a new deal, but with a regular first-team berth far from assured at the Stadio Delle Alpi, the former Empoli star may choose to seek pastures new.

Meanwhile, defender Fabio Aurelio has handed Valencia a boost by confirming he is making good progress towards regaining full fitness.

The Brazilian full back has been out of action since damaging knee ligaments in a game against Real Madrid last May.

However, the South American has now stepped up his recuperation programme, and is hopeful of a first-team return by January.

"The dream is to start the New Year with the rest of the team," Aurelio stated.