Juventus plotting ‘DOUBLE Man Utd raid as they chase Tyrell Malacia as well as Joshua Zirkzee in January transfer’
JUVENTUS are plotting a shock double transfer raid on Manchester United, according to reports.
The Italian giants want to bolster their defence in January following a poor first half of the season.
The Old Lady are fifth in the Serie A table, 12 points off leaders Napoli, and 14th in the Champions League.
Veteran skipper Danilo looks set to depart when his contract expires at the end of the season – or even earlier if a club offers a suitable transfer fee.
And according to the Daily Star, Juve identified Tyrell Malacia as a suitable option at left-back.
They are said to be keen to explore a loan deal this month with the option to make the transfer permanent in the summer.
Juventus would pay the majority of Malacia’s £75,000-a-week salary – freeing up a space in the United squad and some wage bill for Ruben Amorim to bring in a new face.
The Dutchman, 25, has only just returned from nearly 18 months out following knee surgery.
The 2022 arrival from Feyenoord has made four first-team appearances this term since completing his recovery in late November – but has only played beyond half-time once.
His current Old Trafford contract expires at the end of next season – though United have an extra 12-month option should they wish to extend.
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And Malacia may not be the only man to switch Manchester United for Juventus.
SunSport reported this week that the Turin side want to take Joshua Zirkzee on loan.
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Malacia’s fellow Dutchman Zirkzee, 23, has endured a difficult start to life with the Red Devils since his £36.5million summer arrival.
He was jeered off after just 33 minutes in Monday’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in a new low.
But the former Bayern Munich youngster has credit in Italy after his time with Bologna which earned him his United transfer – where he worked under current Juve boss Thiago Motta.
However, one man who won’t be swapping Amorim for Motta is Marcus Rashford.
The exiled United forward is looking for a route out of his boyhood club but when offered the chance to snap up the England international, Juventus turned it down.
Instead, Rashford could still be on his way to Serie A with AC Milan keen while a swap deal with Napoli including Victor Osimhen is also on the cards.