Juventus eye surprise move for Manchester United defender amid Joshua Zirkzee rumors - Reports

According to the Daily Star, Juventus have set their sights on Manchester United's Tyrell Malacia. The Italian giants have been long linked with a move for Joshua Zirkzee, who arrived at Old Trafford from Bologna last summer.

The Dutch striker had enjoyed great success under Thiago Motta at Bologna last season. With the Italian manager taking over at Turin last summer and Zirkzee struggling with the Red Devils, a reunion has been mooted for a while.

However, it now appears that Juventus are eyeing Malacia as well. The Dutch left-back recently returned to action after an 18-month layoff due to injury.

Malacia has registered four appearances across competitions for Manchester United this season, all of which have been starts. He has even earned praise from new head coach Ruben Amorim.

However, the Portuguese boss is trying to implement his 3-4-3 system at Old Trafford and the 25-year-old's future remains uncertain. The Red Devils could invest in a specialist left-back this year, especially with Luke Shaw again sidelined with an injury.

Juventus are keeping tabs on the situation as they eye a replacement for Danilo. The Brazilian is expected to leave Turin at the end of this season and the Italian giants want Malacia to take his place.

Juve are planning to take the Dutchman on loan in January and make his stay permanent at the end of the season. The player is under contract with Manchester United until 2026.

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Will Joshua Zirkzee leave Manchester United to move to Juventus in 2025?

Tyrell Malacia

Manchester United signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna in a reported £36m deal last summer. However, the Dutchman has been a disappointment so far at Old Trafford. The 23-year-old has registered just four goals from 27 games for the Red Devils so far.

Meanwhile, Juventus have struggled to score goals under Thiago Motta this season. They are fifth in the Serie A table after 18 games, already 12 points behind leaders Napoli, and believe the Dutch striker could solve their goalscoring woes.

However, speaking recently as cited by GOAL, Juventus managing director Giuntoli remained coy about a possible move for Zirkzee.

"Zirkzee? It is not appropriate to mention names but we are keeping an eye on any interesting opportunities," said Giuntoli.

The Dutchman is contracted with Manchester United until 2029, but the Red Devils could let him leave for a proper fee.