Tuesday, October 14 2008 -- FC Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure has shockingly revealed his desire to leave the Catalan giants and join the Italian powerhouse Juventus as early as January 2009.

The Ivory Coast international midfielder was signed by Barcelona in the summer of 2007 and was one of the most consistent players for them in the 2007-2008 season. But there was a change in the regime in the summer of 2008 as Frank Rijkaard was replaced by Josep Guardiola as the coach of the Barceloan first team.

Toure has since been relegated to the bench. He has played in only two La Liga matches so far this season and a likewise treatment as been metted out to him in the UEFA Champions League.

Yaya Toure, younger brother of the Arsenal central defender Kolo Toure, was reportedly interested in moving to north London to join his brother and Ivory Coast international teammate in the summer. But in the last few weeks there have been consistent reports that he was keen on signing for Juventus.

The Old Lady, on the other hand, too are eager to take Yaya Toure on board. They have faced problems in central midfield so far this season and are looking for a new midfielder.