Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee wants to return to Italy to ‘embrace’ Thiago Motta at Juventus, who are biding their time before moving for him.
That’s according to both Corriere dello Sport and Gazzetta dello Sport, who say Zirkzee is keen to leave Manchester United in January.
The Dutchman only joined United in the summer as part of the big spend under Erik ten Hag but has endured a miserable few months at the club since, despite a positive start and a goal on his debut.
He now appears to be outside of the plans, with Ruben Amorim’s decision to leave him out of the side in the Europa League this week seen as a clear signal the Dutchman doesn’t fit in.
Juventus have been touted as suitors as they look for someone to back up Dusan Vlahovic and several reports from Italy have them building towards a deal. The fact they’re also working closely with Kia Joorabchian, Zirkzee’s agent, to find Douglas Luiz a club strengthens the idea of negotiations taking place for the Manchester United man too.
He would certainly be keen on the move according to Gazzetta, who say he wants to ‘embrace’ Motta again after their time at Bologna. He left in the summer to take charge of Juventus while Zirkzee went to Old Trafford.
Juventus are seemingly aware of this and director of football Cristiano Giuntoli’s ‘radar is pointed’ at Manchester United. He, though, is waiting for them to open up to the idea of a loan deal. A report yesterday stated Manchester United were categorically against a loan.
Corriere back this up somewhat, saying that Zirkzee is the ‘dream’ transfer for Juventus as he’s remained close to Motta since leaving Bologna and is on the fringes at United. Both of those things make him a smart target.
They add that any deal to bring him back to Italy is ‘complex due to costs’ but Juventus will try anyway.
