Juventus have been heavily reliant on Dusan Vlahovic in attack so far this season
Thiago Motta's side are looking for reinforcements in the January transfer window
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By WILL PICKWORTH
Published: 05:39 EST, 29 November 2024 | Updated: 05:39 EST, 29 November 2024
Juventus are reportedly eyeing-up a move for a Manchester United star in the January transfer window.
The Italian giants, who are led by Thiago Motta, have enjoyed a mixed start to the 2024-25 campaign.
Juventus sit sixth in Serie A, while they are 19th in the league phase of the Champions League after Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.
Motta's side have shown promising signs as they look to implement a new style under the former Bologna boss, but they have also been profligate in front of goal, scoring just five goals in their past five games.
And, according to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Motta is keen to strengthen in attacking areas in January.
The report goes onto claim that several options have been looked at, but United striker Joshua Zirkzee is viewed as the 'dream' target for the Old Lady.
Juventus are reportedly eyeing-up a move for a Man United star in the January transfer window
The Italian giants have enjoyed a mixed start to the season and are looking for reinforcements
Juventus boss Thiago Motta is hoping to bring in attacking options to take his side forward
Zirkzee moved to Old Trafford for £36.5million in the summer from Bologna, where he excelled while playing under Motta.
In fact, the 23-year-old was named as Serie A's Best Young Player in 2023-24 after he scored 11 goals and added five assists in 34 games.
However, Zirkzee has struggled to settle in Manchester, netting just once in 18 games in all competitions for the Red Devils.
The report goes onto claim that Juventus are keen to bring in another option to challenge - and reduce their reliance on - Dusan Vlahovic, who is Motta's first choice No 9 with nine goals in 16 matches in 2024-25.
It is believed that Zirkzee would fit in with Motta's tactics, given their previous time working together.
The need for a new striker is all the more pertinent given Arek Milik is still out with injury and it is unclear when the Polish forward will return, with Motta worried about being left with Vlahovic as his only option up-front.
Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is subsequently testing the waters over a potential loan move, although it is unclear over whether Ruben Amorim would be willing to let Zirkzee depart.
The report goes onto add how Giuntoli made the most of Juventus' trip to England this week where they faced Aston Villa by also heading to Manchester to meet up with Kia Joorabchian, who is Zirkzee's agent.
Zirkzee has struggled to settle at Old Trafford, but he previously shone under Motta at Bologna
It is unclear whether Ruben Amorim would be willing to let the Netherlands striker leave on loan
Motta is keen to reduce his side's reliance on Dusan Vlahovic, who has nine goals this season
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 to secure more gametime, will help to get the move over the line.
Juventus return to action on Sunday when they travel to Leece in Serie A, before they take on Bologna next week.