Juventus identify preferred target over Joshua Zirkzee

Joshua Zirkzee has found himself linked with a potential move away from Manchester United, with Juventus continuing to explore attacking options as the January window progresses.

Recent reports have suggested that Juventus have considered making an approach for the 24-year-old centre-forward, who arrived from Bologna in the summer of 2024.

The Dutch attacker has been mentioned as a possible solution for multiple Italian Serie A sides, having already impressed there before his big move to Old Trafford.

AS Roma, for example, have been heavily linked with signing him on a loan deal.

Their director of football, Frederic Massara, recently admitted that the club admire the player, but nothing further has come from those comments.

Now it is Juventus who are looking at Zirkzee as a potential option that can add depth to their frontline, though he is not currently the club’s primary focus.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus’ priority remains Randal Kolo Muani, with the club pushing to strengthen Luciano Spalletti’s attacking department before the window closes.

The Italian giants are keen on Kolo Muani despite complications surrounding his situation, with Tottenham Hotspur unwilling to interrupt the forward’s loan spell from Paris Saint-Germain.

Juventus are understood to be encouraged by the player’s stance and remain in contact as they assess whether a deal can still be found.

While that pursuit continues, Zirkzee remains an option in the background.

Di Marzio reports that the Manchester United forward is being monitored as an alternative should Juventus fail to make progress with their preferred target.

No format move has been advanced at this stage, but the Dutchman is viewed as a profile that could complement Spalletti’s system if circumstances change.

From United’s perspective, Zirkzee’s situation remains one to watch as the club weigh up squad depth and long-term planning in the final days of the window.

Interestingly, Kolo Muani’s name has also previously surfaced in Manchester United circles, with  the Red Devils rumoured to be one of the four clubs who wanted to sign the French international last summer.

For now, Juventus continue to monitor both situations closely, with Kolo Muani firmly at the top of their list and Zirkzee positioned as a contingency rather than a priority.