Juventus and Napoli are reportedly both interested in signing Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee during the January transfer window.
The Netherlands international has found it difficult to make his mark at Man United in the first half of the 2024-25 campaign, only managing four goals and two assists in 27 appearances in all competitions.
Zirkzee started against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Monday night but only lasted 33 minutes, with Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim making a change due to the team's struggles.
The 23-year-old's substitution was widely celebrated by the Man United fans, which led to him going straight down the tunnel, although the striker did later sit on the bench alongside his teammates.
"I talked with Josh about that, because it's important to express the message, but I'm always thinking about the team, and, in that moment, it was important for the team [for] Josh [to] go out," Amorim told Sky Sports News after the clash with Newcastle.
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Zirkzee could leave Man United in January
"You have to think about the team and also, sometimes about the player, because the player is suffering. I was there a few years ago and I know that he wants [it], because I saw it during the week, and that's the most important thing.
"He's a really good lad, so you'll have the support and you will prepare the next game. It's some moments, and you have some examples like Harry Maguire, that have some tough moments, but that is life in every profession.
"So we will support Josh and continue because, like I said, Newcastle were a better team. Was not better than Josh, was better than Manchester United."
Zirkzee's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with a number of Italian clubs said to be keen on the striker, who scored 14 goals and registered nine assists in 58 matches for Bologna ahead of his switch to Old Trafford.
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Juventus, Napoli 'both keen on Zirkzee'
According to the Daily Mail, Juventus and Napoli are both interested in the striker, with the pair potentially battling for his signature during the January transfer window.
The report claims that Zirkzee is 'aware of the interest' but is 'fully focused' on the season, with the forward determined to prove himself at Old Trafford after a high-profile move last summer.
Zirkzee, who has a record of 13 goals and seven assists in 57 matches in Serie A, is highly unlikely to leave on a permanent basis this month, but it has been suggested that a loan deal could be agreed.
Alejandro Garnacho is Man United's leading goalscorer this season with eight, but the Argentina international is currently out of favour, while Marcus Rashford, who has seven goals in 24 appearances, is not currently being used by Amorim.
The Red Devils will be bidding to avoid a fifth straight defeat in all competitions when they head to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Matt Law
