Manchester United are reportedly in advanced talks with Juventus over a summer deal for Joshua Zirkzee. The striker joined the Red Devils under Erik ten Hag but has struggled to make an impact in two seasons at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman originally arrived from Bologna and looks set for a return to Italian football, with Juventus said to be keen. The Turin outfit had been close to completing a deal for former loanee Randal Kolo Muani, but a deal with PSG collapsed at the 11th hour.
Juventus turn to Zirkzee after Kolo Muani collapse
According to The Sun, Juventus have turned their attention to Zirkzee, who could be available as part of a cut-price deal. United chiefs have agreed they would be willing to sanction a loan move for Zirkzee, with a £30million option to buy inserted in the contract.
Juventus aren’t the only side pursuing Zirkzee, with Roma also holding an interest. Unlike Juventus, Roma have Champions League football on offer this season, but Juventus appear to have the best chance of securing his signature.
Zirkzee open to Juventus move
Zirkzee, who has scored just nine times since arriving at United, is believed to be open to joining Juventus should a deal present itself. His representatives see Serie A as a much better fit for his playing style, with the 25-year-old having struggled in the Premier League.
United have already begun their pre-season preparations, with matches against Wrexham and Rosenborg under their belt. Reacting after the victory over Rosenborg, manager Michael Carrick said: "As much as you want everything to be improving and performances to be better all the time, I think keeping players fit and progressing through pre-season is as important as anything."
Carrick added: "The younger players coming on, I thought they were fantastic and played as a team and deserved what they got. I thought there were a lot of good things. Some of the goals were fantastic and [it is] just as pleasing to keep a clean sheet. We’re moving forward nicely. It’s the best place to be as a footballer when you’re in that zone, and you’re confident. It’s my job to try and get the players in that frame of mind."
