Juventus close in on Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain

• Juventus have been strongly linked with Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain 
• The 28-year-old former Real Madrid striker has £78million release clause
• The Serie A champions have agreed to reach the striker's valuation 
• Higuain reportedly underwent a secret medical in Madrid clinic on Friday

Juventus have agreed to pay the £78million buyout clause for Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain.

Talks are underway between the clubs with Sky Italia reporting the Argentina international underwent a secret medical in a Madrid clinic on Friday afternoon.

Higuain scored 38 goals in all competitions for Napoli last season, who finished runners-up to Juventus in Serie A.

His signing will represent a major coup for the Italian champions as they look to strengthen despite the loss of Alvaro Morata and the expected departure of Paul Pogba to Manchester United.

Higuain is understood to have agreed a four-year deal worth up to £8.3million a year with bonuses after tax.

Juventus will pay the fee in two installments of £39million, though it is understood that is not dependent on Pogba's transfer. The Italians are a wealthy club and have funds to spend regardless of whether Pogba is sold.

However, his transfer to Manchester United is still expected to go through once United agree to increase their bid and pay the 20 per cent bonus agreed to Pogba's agent Mino Raiola. 

This week, Napoli club president Aurelio De Laurentiis claimed the forward would 'betray himself' if he were to leave last season's Serie A runners-up.

'I haven't spoken to the player,' De Laurentiis told reporters. 'The only offer I've had was from the president of Atletico Madrid last month and I told him we couldn't do anything.

Higuain could not fire Argentina to Copa America glory as they lost the final to Chile on penalties this summer

'He offered €60million (£50m) plus two or three players and I said no.

Higuain scored 36 goals in Serie A for Napoli last season but they still finished nine points behind Juventus

'Even if Juventus were to come into the picture, they need Higuain's consent.

'Would he be betraying Napoli? It would be a much bigger betrayal of himself. 

'You don't go to the Napoli curve (hardcore fans), sing songs of love of the club and then just go somewhere else. It would be absurd.

'I'm not interested in his brother's [Higuain's brother and agent, Nicolas] strategy. 

'The fact that Napoli have qualified for Europe seven years running, with dignity, is a clear indication that we are good enough.

'With us, Higuain has gone back to being what he was when he played for Real Madrid.'