Stoke City captain Ryan Shawcross is a shock target for Juventus.

The Mirror says the Serie A side have had a shocking start to the campaign with most of the blame aimed at their back four.

Juve coach Luigi Del Neri is now ­determined to strengthen his defence in the January window and he is keen on Shawcross.

The 6ft 3ins former Manchester United trainee's no-nonsense defending is deemed perfect for the Italian league.

Shawcross, 22, has become one of England's best young central defenders and he has featured in two of Fabio ­Capello's squads.

There has been interest in him from Liverpool and his previous club Manchester United in recent times.

But Stoke have made it clear they will not sell their prized asset.