Thuram is most expensive defender

French international Lilian Thuram has become the most expensive defender in the world following his move from Parma to Juventus in a deal that is likely to prompt a transfer merry-go-round.

Thuram signed for five years with Juventus on Monday, and the daily Gazzetta dello Sport reported the transfer fee was 80 billion Italian lire ($35.40 million).

Although neither club have announced the fee, the reported figure breaks the previous world record for a defender set when Leeds United signed England international Rio Ferdinand from West Ham United for $25 million last November.

Gazzetta said Thuram would be paid 10 billion lire a season, although he has handed over his image and marketing rights to the Turin club.

The deal marks the first major acquisition of the Serie A close-season transfer market but it is unlikely to be the last. Juve are looking to recoup the cash spent on Thuram by selling striker Filippo Inzaghi.

AC Milan have lodged a bid for the Italy striker who has lost his place at the Delle Alpi to Frenchman David Trezeguet. Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani told reporters a meeting had been fixed with Juventus for Thursday.

Media reports say Milan have offered 60 billion lire for Inzaghi but Juve have set his value at 80 billion lire.

Another player likely to be on the move is Roma's Japanese midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata. The former Perugia playmaker has been on the fringes of the championship-winning Rome team this season and has previously been linked with English premier league clubs Manchester United and Arsenal.

Gazzetta said on Tuesday that Nakata was likely to head to Parma who, after the sale of Thuram, have the resources needed to secure the signature of the Japanese who joined Roma in January last year.

Fiorentina signed Yugoslav Dejan Stankovic from Lazio and Swede Daniel Andersson from Bari on Friday and with goalkeeper Francesco Toldo expected to formally complete his move to Barcelona in the coming days, the Florence club are expected to make more moves to strengthen their squad.