Juventus 'identify Alvaro Morata as an alternative to Romelu Lukaku' - as Atletico Madrid striker 'gives green light to THIRD spell with Serie A giants'

Alvaro Morata could be set for a third spell with Serie A giants Juventus after giving the green light to a move, according to reports in Italy.

The Turin club have been working on a deal for Romelu Lukaku and had re-opened talks with Chelsea over a £38.5m transfer that could see Dusan Vlahovic move in the opposite direction.

But according to Calciomercato.com, although the Belgian remains the no 1 target for the Old Lady, Morata - who played for the club from 2014 to 2016 and then from 2020 to 2022 - has been identified as a viable alternative.

Better still, Juventus have reportedly already obtained a 'yes' from the Atletico Madrid striker for another reunion.

Morata has scored more goals for Juve than any other, netting 59 times in 185 appearances across two spells. The 30-year-old claimed two Serie A titles in his first stint and was part of the squad, led by Massimiliano Allegri, that reached the final of the Champions League in 2015.

In Morata, Allegri knows he has a striker who can perform in his system, even if he is some years removed from his prime.

Last season the Spanish international could only manage 15 goals from 45 appearances for Atletico, who finished 11 points behind eventual La Liga winners Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Juventus moving onto Morata would put Chelsea back at square one with their attempts to rid themselves of Lukaku.

The front man appears to have spurned the affection of fans and colleagues at Inter Milan on account of the transfer links to Juventus and his parent-club have no interest in seeing him return.

Mauricio Pochettino may be forced to try and re-integrate the 30-year-old into the fold if the Blues' attacking issues of last season persist into the new campaign.