Inter Insisted Barry try on the shirt

JUVENTUS and Inter Milan are ready to test Southend United's determination to keep Barry Conlon.

Both clubs have indicated they will watch the dazzling Eire striker in action in Bologna tonight as a prelude to a serious attempt to prise him from Roots Hall.

Juventus coach Carlo Ancelotti has never hidden his admiration for Conlon and will be in the Stadio d'Alla in Bologna this evening.

Juventus had a disastrous season by their own mighty standards and have had to enter the Intertoto Cup in a bid to get into the UEFA Cup next term.

That is not good enough for the club backed by Italy's motoring giant Fiat, and they are prepared to spend millions to ensure they rise back to the very top next season.

Ancelotti was stunned by Conlon's performance for United against Swansea in the Nationwide League when his first-leg goal gave the English club a priceless lifeline.

He admitted: "I admire Conlon very much, and of all the United players he is the one I would like the most.

"He was very impressive against Swansea. I saw him as the chief danger"

Lippi had long talked about Conlon as a possible Juve target, and he too will be in Bologna this evening. He recently admitted Conlon would be one of his targets as he sets about rebuilding Inter next season and Conlon certainly knows enough about the Milan club.