Serie A giants linked with £42 million move for Manchester United star: Reports

Juventus are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee in the upcoming January transfer window to bolster their frontline.

The Bianconeri, who finished third in the Serie A table last season, have failed to put up a title charge in the first half of the 2024-25 season. They are currently sixth in the standings with 31 points from 17 league games, losing none of them.

Hence, according to Spanish news website Fichajes.net, Juventus have identified Zirkzee as a top transfer target ahead of the winter transfer window. Bianconeri manager Thiago Motta is said to be of the opinion that the six-cap Netherlands international would fit perfectly into his current footballing project.

Juventus' hierarchy are allegedly prepared to splash close to £42 million to lure Zirkzee away from Manchester United next month. They are believed to be keen to reunite the Dutch striker with Motta, who coached the player at Bologna.

Zirkzee, who left Bologna for over £36 million earlier this summer, was a key starter at Motta's Bologna side last season. The former Bayern Munich star netted 12 goals and provided seven assists in 37 total matches in the 2023-24 term.

Pundit labels Manchester United star 'a flop'

Speaking to betting website Paddy Power, Liverpool great Mark Lawrenson shared his honest thoughts on Joshua Zirkzee. He elaborated (h/t Metro):

"Joshua Zirkzee has been a bit of a flop since joining Manchester United in the summer. I don't like using that word, but he's just been in and out of the team and hasn't had any consistency. The forward players at United are all fighting for their place in the team and it seems like unless you play outstandingly, there is no guarantee that you'll be in the team the next week."

Lawrenson, who helped Liverpool win 12 silverwares as a player, added:

"This shows to me that the manager has a much bigger job on his hands. Every time Ruben Amorim picks a team, it's different, because he's trying to work out his best team from his squad. The problem is that the manager has too many players to pick from and he won't be able to keep them all happy."

Zirkzee, whose current deal will expire in June 2029, has struggled to cement himself as a key player for Manchester United so far this season. He has registered four goals and two assists in 25 games across competitions for his club so far.

The 23-year-old is next likely to be in action for Manchester United in a Premier League clash at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday (December 26).