After Newcastle denied any contact with the defender, it appears that Roma are now emerging as favourites for his signature.
The Real Betis defender has been a consistent performer for the Seville club and has made over 200 appearances for the Verdiblancos since making his debut back in 2001.
However speculation abounded that Betis could not meet the Spanish international's wage demands and as a result that the player could be looking to move in the January transfer window.
Juanito's contract expires in June and he will be free to discuss terms with potential suitors on 1 January, and it was believed that English Premier League side Newcastle were ready to offer him terms to take him to Tyneside.
But after Betis revealed they had received no contact from Joe Kinnear's side, other clubs are circling and now Roma have edged ahead in the race to land the 32-year old.
Spying Mission
Luciano Spalletti, boss of the Italian side, wants Juanito to shore up his back-line and sent a member of his coaching staff to the Betis - Espanyol fixture at the beginning of December to gather a comprehensive report.
Atletico Madrid and Villarreal are also said to be monitoring any transfer developments.
However, Juanito has always maintained his desire to stay in Andalusia, and he has claimed he will give the club every opportunity to meet his demands before discussing terms with any other side.
Manuel Momparlet, Real Betis' sporting director, is understood to want to recommence talks with Juanito this week, but until a deal is struck his future remains unclear.
The Real Betis defender has been a consistent performer for the Seville club and has made over 200 appearances for the Verdiblancos since making his debut back in 2001.
However speculation abounded that Betis could not meet the Spanish international's wage demands and as a result that the player could be looking to move in the January transfer window.
Juanito's contract expires in June and he will be free to discuss terms with potential suitors on 1 January, and it was believed that English Premier League side Newcastle were ready to offer him terms to take him to Tyneside.
But after Betis revealed they had received no contact from Joe Kinnear's side, other clubs are circling and now Roma have edged ahead in the race to land the 32-year old.
Spying Mission
Luciano Spalletti, boss of the Italian side, wants Juanito to shore up his back-line and sent a member of his coaching staff to the Betis - Espanyol fixture at the beginning of December to gather a comprehensive report.
Atletico Madrid and Villarreal are also said to be monitoring any transfer developments.
However, Juanito has always maintained his desire to stay in Andalusia, and he has claimed he will give the club every opportunity to meet his demands before discussing terms with any other side.
Manuel Momparlet, Real Betis' sporting director, is understood to want to recommence talks with Juanito this week, but until a deal is struck his future remains unclear.
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