Juventus fail to land Axel Witsel on deadline day despite agreeing £16m deal – Everton and Stoke to make January moves?

Everton and Stoke target Axel Witsel is still available after his proposed move to Juventus broke down on transfer deadline day.

The Belgian's move to the Italian champions looked like a foregone conclusion after Juve agreed a fee of around £16m with Zenit St Petersburg.

Witsel even completed a medical in anticipation of a move to Italy but the transfer never materialised after Zenit failed to land an adequate replacement during the window.

The 27-year-old's contract expires in the summer, when he is expected to walk away from Zenit for nothing - and Juve remain the favourites to sign him.

However, it means that both Everton and Stoke - who are long term admirers of the central midfielder - can open talks with him about a pre-contract agreement this January.