Joshua Zirkzee wants toleave Manchester United and reunite with Juventus manager Thiago Motta, a report has claimed.
United paid £36.5m to sign the highly rated Zirkzee during the summer after watching him rack up 12 goals and seven assists under Motta at Bologna last season, but they are yet to see a similar return from the Dutchman this year.
In 18 appearances across all competitions, Zirkzee has netted just once, and he was even called out by new head coach Ruben Amorim for his decision-making as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, this miserable start to life in England has left Zirkzee pining for a return to Italy and, more specifically, a reunion with Motta.
Zirkzee is said to fear his situation will not improve under Amorim and is eager to see Juventus act on their interest in a January transfer.
Thiago Motta, Joshua Zirkzee
Zirkzee could reunite with Motta / Alessandro Sabattini/GettyImages
Juve director Cristiano Giuntoli is keen to land Zirkzee's signature but will only pursue an initial loan deal - something United are yet to indicate a willingness to discuss.
Giuntoli was recently reported to have held talks with United, as well as officials from Manchester City, to try and find buyers for Douglas Luiz and Nicolo Fagioli in the hope of raising funds for a January transfer spree.
In a recent press conference, Motta refused to be drawn on Juventus' plans for the winter market.
"There's great harmony with the club on the transfer market, but I don't want to talk about it now," he said.
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