Italian champions Juventus are reportedly preparing an £18m bid for Manchester United attacker Nani in January.

The 27-year-old has failed to live up to his billing at Old Trafford since commanding a £22m transfer fee from Sporting Lisbon in 2007 and, according to The Mirror, the Premier League giants are ready to cut their losses with the Portuguese this winter.

However, although Juve are thought to be long-term admirers of the winger, the prospective deal is said to hinge on how quickly Nani recovers from the hamstring injury which is expected to sideline him until 2014.

Nani, who only signed a five-year contract in September, has been absent for United since the shock 1-0 defeat at home to Newcastle United earlier this month.