Quote (Pozer @ Sep 25 2013 02:36pm)

Second half was showing some promise.

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Andrea Pirlo could end his glittering career in the Barclays Premier League after it emerged his Juventus future is shrouded in uncertainty.

Despite his brilliant form since joining Juventus from AC Milan two years ago, Italy’s midfield maestro is effectively on trial for the next three months, as coach Antonio Conte assesses whether he merits another contract.

If the decision goes against him, it is widely expected he will seek a fresh start abroad, with England and Spain joint top of his wish list.

A free agent at the end of the season, it is understood Juventus would consider releasing him in January, if new terms are not forthcoming, in recognition of his significant contribution to two successive Serie A titles.

It raises the intriguing prospect of Manchester United possibly seeing him as the injection of midfield craft they so desperately need or Chelsea, who almost signed him in his Milan days, Arsenal or Tottenham offering him the chance to bolster their title campaigns.

In Spain, the Bernabeu would be his likeliest destination, given his close relationship with Carlo Ancelotti. Pirlo discussed the possibility of moving to Stamford Bridge when Ancelotti was in charge and would need little persuading to link up again with his former Milan boss at Real Madrid.

However, Sportsmail understands starting opportunities will be the key factor in the 34-year old’s deliberations, and that could count against Real, given their wealth of options in midfield.

Though Pirlo has been a pivotal figure in Juve’s dominance of Serie A over the past two seasons, Conte has begun to harbour doubts over whether he can continue to exert the same influence on their bid for a hat-trick of titles. He has been substituted in Juve’s last two games, in stark contrast to last season, when he was replaced only once in the entire campaign.