Juventus 'eye second Man United player' after club chief addresses Joshua Zirkzee pursuit

The Netherlands international recently returned from almost 18 months on the sidelines with a severe knee injury, making five appearances of late, including two outings in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old has struggled to make his mark for the Red Devils, though, and there is uncertainty surrounding his future, with Man United expected to sign at least two new left-sided defenders this year.

A deal for Cerro Porteno's Diego Leon has allegedly already been agreed, with the 17-year-old viewed as one of the best young talents in South America, while a senior player is also wanted in that area of the field.

Paris Saint-Germain's Nuno Mendes is thought to be Man United's leading target, and his arrival would throw Malaria's future into doubt, as unlike Luke Shaw, he cannot feature in a back three.

Juventus 'lining up Malacia move'

Malacia enjoyed an impressive first season at Man United after arriving from Feyenoord in 2022, making 39 appearances in all competitions, but he missed the entirety of last term due to a serious knee injury.

The defender explained the extent of his injury troubles in an interview towards the end of last year, revealing that he was forced to undergo a second operation, leading to an even longer recovery.

Malacia has been replaced at the interval of both of his Premier League appearances this season, while he was left out of the squad entirely against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day.

The left-back was back in the squad against Newcastle United last time out, but it remains to be seen whether he is included in Sunday's Premier League fixture with Liverpool at Anfield.

Juventus 'also interested in Zirkzee'

Juventus are also being heavily linked with Joshua Zirkzee amid the forward's ongoing struggles at Old Trafford.

The Netherlands international has only managed four goals and two assists in 27 appearances for Man United this season since making the move from Bologna during last summer's transfer window.

Juventus are said to be keen on the 23-year-old, and the Italian club's management director Cristiano Giuntoli recently refused to rule out his team moving for Zirkzee this month.

"Zirkzee? It's not appropriate to mention names, but we are keeping an eye on any interesting opportunities, and we will move to strengthen the defence," he told reporters.

The forward scored 14 goals and registered nine assists in 58 appearances for Bologna ahead of his arrival at Man United, and he is also believed to be wanted by Napoli during the winter transfer market.

Written by

Matt Law