Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is willing to join Juventus, which could see Michael Carrick's side head into the market for an attacking addition of their own. The 25-year-old started in United's pre-season curtain raiser against Wrexham last weekend but looks set to leave the club.
Zirkzee's struggles at Old Trafford
The Dutch international has managed just 127 minutes of competitive football under Carrick since his return to Old Trafford. Despite struggling since his move to Manchester, there's been plenty of interest from Italian clubs having impressed at Bologna prior to his Old Trafford move.
Several Serie A clubs are keen on signing Zirkzee this summer, with Juventus leading the race to sign him. The Old Lady appeared focused on signing Randal Kolo Muani, but talks with PSG have hit a stumbling point, forcing Juve into a rethink.
Juventus interest and potential deal
La Gazzetta Dello Sport now reports that Zirkzee has given an initial 'yes' to the prospect of joining Juventus and is attracted by the idea of returning to Italy. The Italian publication states that Luciano Spalletti's side would prefer an initial loan arrangement, while continuing to pursue Kolo Muani separately.
United would almost certainly favour a permanent sale of Zirkzee in order to reinvest the proceeds back into the squad, potentially funding a replacement, with the option of a deal incorporating an obligation to buy. Zirkzee had been eager to depart in January but was refused permission by United.
United's forward options
Had that been approved, Benjamin Sesko would have been the sole recognised fit centre-forward, though he is currently recovering from a shin injury. While attention appears to remain firmly on midfield, United are also casting their eye over the striker market and weighing up their choices.
The most probable outcome points towards an experienced forward arriving - perhaps not the most headline-grabbing acquisition, but one well-versed in the demands of the Premier League. Karl Darlow, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have already officially put pen to paper at the club, with a third midfield signing anticipated.
Other transfer targets
AS Roma's Manu Kone and Bournemouth's Alex Scott appear to sit at the top of United's shortlist, though both players are attracting considerable interest from rival clubs. Chelsea even had a £64million bid for Scott rejected.
A new left-wing addition is also under consideration, with Crysencio Summerville and Iliman Ndiaye both linked, although the former appears destined for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal, who have had an offer accepted by West Ham. Marcus Rashford's future will have a bearing on any potential frontline reinforcement, though offloading Zirkzee could free up funds towards securing a forward capable of helping lead the line.
