By John May

Ranieri is unlikely to return to his old stamping ground for players

Since the Italian club's return to Serie A, the likes of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard have been linked to Juve.

Coach Ranieri has been given a budget of �40m to restore Juventus' fortunes.

Andrea Masala of Gazzetta dello Sport told BBC Sport: "They are more likely to look towards Spain for players."

Their main priority is a central defender and one target is Gabriel Milito, who plays for Real Zaragoza Gazzetta dello Sport's Andrea Masala on Juventus

Premiership clubs were standing by to repel boarders after Juve won the Serie B title to return to the top flight after a one-season absence.

The Turin club were demoted for their part in a match-fixing scandal that rocked Italian football.

As they were progressing to the Serie B title under Didier Deschamps last season, they were linked with several England stars, including Chelsea pair Lampard and John Terry and Liverpool midfielder Gerrard, who agreed a new Anfield deal this month.

Juve's status and financial backing dictates they are treated with respect but even they would find it difficult to meet the asking price for the Premier League's top stars.

Masala said: "Their main priority is a central defender and one target is Gabriel Milito, who plays for Real Zaragoza."

Milito, 26, is a highly regarded Argentine player.

Despite their relegation in 2006, Juve managed to hold on to a core of their top stars, including strikers David Trezeguet and Alessandro del Piero, Gianluigi Buffon - rated the best goalkeeper in the world - and midfielder Pavel Nedved.

While they will look to bolster their squad in the transfer market, Masala believes Juve also want to ensure their top players stay in Turin.

Juve recently extended Buffon's contract to 2012 and Masala said: "Their next big move will be to try to keep David Trezeguet.