Manchester United target Lilian Thuram has joined Juventus in a five-year deal said to be worth �22m.

The French international turned down a move to Old Trafford and Italian rivals Lazio.

There was speculation United would sign Thuram and Argentine Juan Sebastian Veron in a �37m double swoop.

But Parma president Stefano Tanzi put paid to the rumours on Monday when he announced Thuram was leaving to move to another Italian club.

Thuram said: "I had to choose Juventus because it is the best club there is."

Racist elements

He will join France team-mates Zinedine Zidane and David Trezeguet at the northern Italian club.

He added: "It was easy to choose. I spoke to my friends and other people and asked a few questions and then I just had to join Juventus."

A World Cup and European Championship winner with France, Thuram had long been linked with a move away from Parma, where he has spent five seasons.

Thuram had met representatives from Lazio but suggested racist elements among the Lazio supporters would put him off a move to the capital.