Juventus have become the first club to declare an interest in Gabriel Heinze, the Manchester United left-back who has lost his first-team place to Patrice Evra.

The Italian club's admiration of Heinze was revealed by their head coach, Didier Deschamps, in an interview last night with the French radio station RMC Info.

Deschamps is hoping to lead Juventus, who are one point behind the Serie B leaders Rimini, back to the Italian top flight at the first attempt following their demotion last year for match-fixing. He is monitoring Heinze's availability, aware United have offered £5 million for the Southampton left-back Gareth Bale.

"I saw Gabriel play in France during his time there, so I know him really well," said Deschamps. "He plays left-back at Manchester United, but I don't think it's the position where he can make the most of his abilities. He is better as a central defender."

Heinze moved from Paris St-Germain to Old Trafford in 2004 and won their player of the year award in his first season. However, he has not regained his best form since rupturing cruciate knee ligaments in September 2005, an injury that kept him out for almost all of last season. He recovered in time to play for Argentina in the World Cup but was not fit enough to start the season. It is thought there is also interest from the German and French leagues.

Alan Smith will snub a January transfer away from Old Trafford as he wants to stay and fight for a first-team place with Manchester United. According to The Manchester Evening News, around 80 per cent of clubs in the Premiership have enquired about Smith's availability. Wigan are the latest team to be linked with the striker.