Buffon eyes January return

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon expects to return to action in January. The Italy international has been sidelined since the summer after undergoing back surgery because of a herniated disk.

Buffon told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “I will begin to train at the end of November and I think I will return to play by January.”

Buffon’s long injury lay-off has not prevented Italy´s number one from being linked to several top European clubs. He was recently a reported target of Manchester United but the player has squashed those rumours.

“Manchester United? It’s a great team but they have never contacted me,” said Buffon.

“I have a contract until June 2013 and the club will decide what happens next.”