Atalanta defender Federico Peluso is poised to join Serie A champions Juventus for the rest of the season after undergoing a medical in Turin.

The 28-year-old, formerly of AlbinoLeffe, was the subject of a failed approach from Juve in the summer but the league leaders have moved to recruit the Italy international once again.

A statement on juventus.com read: “Federico Peluso is having medical tests in Turin this morning. After a series of examinations at the Clinica Fornaca di Sessant, he will undergo further tests at the Instituto di Medicina dello Sport.”

Bianconeri boss Antonio Conte, whose side lead Serie A by eight points, is looking for cover at the back given the recent departure of Brazilian veteran Lucio and the absence of Giorgio Chiellini through injury.

Equally comfortable at centre-back and at left full-back, Peluso has made over 100 appearances for Atalanta and made his international debut in Italy’s friendly defeat to England in August.

Yesterday, he thanked Atalanta for allowing him to leave and join Juventus.

“I thank Atalanta for everything they have given me in these seasons,” he was quoted as saying.

“I’m happy because Juventus represents an important opportunity for my career which I want to take advantage of. However, at the same time, there is sadness in leaving a club and an environment in which I was very happy.”