Man Utd star ‘green lights January transfer’ despite Amorim’s show of faith

Joshua Zirkzee reportedly wants to join Juventus in January, just months after joining Manchester United.

The Red Devils signed 23-year-old Zirkzee from Bologna in the summer to strengthen their attack. But the Netherlands international has struggled considerably, scoring just once in 18 games before scoring his double in Sunday's 4-0 win over Everton.

Speculation over a possible move during the winter transfer window has surfaced in recent weeks and there appears to be interest in Zirkzee's services from clubs in Serie A who have seen first-hand what he can do.

And reports in Italy now believe Zirkzee is keen on the idea of ​​joining Juventus. It is said that part of the reason behind his desire to make a move is the fact that the Italian giants are now managed by Zirkzee's former Bologna boss Thiago Motta.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has made a good start in Turin but wants reinforcements in January. And according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Zirkzee and Lewis Ferguson, another former Bologna player, have been identified as key targets ahead of the second half of the season.

Juventus are keen on a loan move and with United having spent £36 million to bring Zirkzee to Old Trafford, such a deal could suit them rather than cutting their losses at striker after just a handful of months.

However, it remains to be seen whether the lack of attacking options currently available to Ruben Amorim could make such a deal difficult. Rasmus Hojlund is United's only other outright number 9, although Marcus Rashford played at center in Amorim's first game in charge against Ipswich Town last weekend.

Amorim made the bold decision to start Zirkzee against Everton on Sunday despite Rasmus Hojlund scoring twice in the midweek win over Bodo/Glimt – and his faith was rewarded with two goals.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the match, he said of the decision: “He's a talented player. He's a Manchester United player and I think he's ready.” [to play] that position. I think we need Josh's characteristics in this game; she [Everton] I have two central defenders who are strong in the air and I want that [someone] more technical who can reach the ball in different areas.

“It's just an idea, let's see the result.”