Juventus are launching a bid for Tottenham fullback Benoit Assou-Ekotto.

Sky Italia says Juve see the Cameroon international as ideal competition for first-choice left-back Paolo de Ceglie.

Assou-Ekotto was forced to deny quotes attributed to him last week that he would consider his future at Spurs if they failed to qualify for the Champions League.

The defender has a deal until 2013 and Juve chiefs are convinced they can persuade Spurs to sell.