Juventus ‘plan DREAM move to sign Manchester United star in January’

Juventus are reportedly eyeing a move for a Manchester United star in the January transfer window.

The Italian giants, led by Thiago Motta, have had a mixed start to the 2024/25 season.

Juventus are sixth in Serie A, while 19th in the Champions League competitive stage after Wednesday's 0-0 draw against Aston Villa.

Motta's side have shown promising signs as they try to implement a new style under the former Bologna boss, but they have also been loose in front of goal, scoring just five goals in their past five games.

And according to the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Motta would like to strengthen himself in the attacking areas in January.

The report further claims that several options have been looked at, but United striker Joshua Zirkzee is seen as the 'dream target' for the Old Lady.

Zirkzee moved from Bologna to Old Trafford in the summer for £36.5 million, where he excelled while playing under Motta.

The 23-year-old was even named Serie A's best young player in the 2023/24 season after scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in 34 games.

However, Zirkzee has struggled to establish himself in Manchester, scoring just once in 18 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils.

The report goes on to claim that Juventus are keen to introduce another option to challenge – and reduce their dependence on – Dusan Vlahovic.

It is believed that Zirkzee would fit Motta's tactics, given their previous partnership.

The need for a new striker is all the more relevant as Arek Milik is still out with an injury and it is unclear when the Polish striker will return. Motta is concerned that Vlahovic is his only option up front.

Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is then testing the waters over a potential loan move, although it is unclear whether Ruben Amorim would be willing to let Zirkzee leave.

The report goes on to explain how Giuntoli made the most of Juventus' trip to England this week, where they faced Aston Villa, by also heading to Manchester to meet Zirkzee's agent Kia Joorabchian.

There is an acknowledgment from the Italian giants that it will not be an easy move to complete.

However, they are hopeful that Giuntoli's relationship with Joorabchian, coupled with Zirkzee's desire to work under Motta again and also secure more playing time, will help get the move over the line.

Juventus are back in action on Sunday when they travel to Leece in Serie A before taking on Bologna next week.