Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee received a call from Juventus, as the Italian giants keep a number of irons in the fire while negotiating with Paris Saint-Germain for Randal Kolo Muani.
Zirkzee has long been linked with a return to Italy after struggling to light up the Premier League since arriving at Old Trafford in 2024. The Dutch forward joined United in a £36.5million deal from Bologna.
Zirkzee's Serie A reputation remains strong
Despite only scoring five goals in 56 Premier League outings, the 25-year-old appears to have maintained a decent reputation in Serie A. Gazetta dello Sport report that Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali and sporting director Marco Ottolini are working hard to land a replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, who was released.
Zirkzee is said to have been the subject of 'texts, calls and video calls' as Juve enquired over his availability and the potential terms required to get a deal over the line.
Juve's preference remains Kolo Muani
Juve's preference remains to land Kolo Muani from PSG but their £34m has not yet been accepted with the Champions League winners hoping for £42.5m.
Manchester United forward Zirkzee started the club's opening pre-season match of the summer. The ex-Bayern Munich youngster failed to find the net as Michael Carrick's team fell to defeat against Wrexham.
In April, it was reported that Zirkzee was 'intent' on staying at Old Trafford beyond the summer. It was claimed then that the striker's camp did not believe that United would target new forwards.
United's forward options and potential exits
Zirkzee is already down the pecking order at Old Trafford after the signings of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha last summer. There may, however, be greater opportunities for rotation in the upcoming season, with United also playing in the Champions League.
United had several plans to offload players this summer. They have already been hit by Barcelona's decision not to make Marcus Rashford's loan permanent, and Manuel Ugarte's injury, suffered at the World Cup, has made his exit unlikely.
